less small

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less small" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing sizes or quantities, indicating that something is not as small as another thing. Example: "This box is less small than the one we used last time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

To many baseball fans the game has been ruined — hallowed records toppled, managers playing less small ball as they wait for that three-run homer.

The New York Times

Murray, from the Royal Ghurka Rifles, said afterwards: "My experience is that the longer you've known them, the less small talk there is.

The Guardian

The hundred or so other words (with "RUSSIA," "NUCLEAR," and "MISSILE" a bit less small than the rest) looked like the salt and pepper.

The New Yorker

Many of the less small among the island's companies are now owned by Trinidadians.Barbados dealt with earlier downturns by borrowing, mainly for sensible projects such as port and airport upgrades or road improvements.

The Economist

It generates huge profits for its shareholders by delivering a gazillion goods to consumers around the world at prices that few other big-box stores – much less small retail businesses – match.

The New York Times

Similarly, the "Real Housewives" shows, despite the name, feature very few actual housewives and lots of working women (not all wives or mothers), every one of them eager to sacrifice time, not to mention privacy, for a small payment and a less small portion of notoriety.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

There is nothing in Barack Obama's life or his continuous speeches and writing that indicates a disdain for anyone, much less small-town America.

The New York Times

As it turns out, however, Leatham isn't much interested in doing your average $100 arrangement, much less smaller items.

The New York Times

Average fish yields and values were similar between the two groups, although BMP farms produced less small-sized tilapia and more mullet than the control farms.

Aquaculture

At periods of 30 s and longer, sampling the lithosphere, the structure seems smoother, with less small-scale variations in phase velocity.

Earth, Planets and Space

After the corrosion in a 3.5% NaCl aqueous solution, the EISA treated samples had less, smaller and shallower pits than the untreated samples had.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less small", ensure the comparison is clear. Specify what the subject is "less small" than to provide context for the relative size or quantity.

Common error

Avoid using "less small" in contexts where a simpler positive statement would be clearer. For instance, instead of saying 'the impact was less small than expected', consider 'the impact was larger than expected' for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less small" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to describe something that is not as small as something else, indicating a difference in size or quantity. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less small" is a grammatically sound yet uncommon way to express a comparison in size or quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Its function is to convey that something is not as insignificant as something else, primarily observed in scientific and news contexts. While phrases like "smaller" or "not as small" might offer more direct alternatives, "less small" emphasizes a specific kind of relative distinction. When using "less small", be sure to provide a clear context to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as small

A direct substitution, focusing on negating the 'small' quality rather than comparison.

slightly larger

Highlights that the size is a bit over the small size.

comparatively larger

Shifts the focus from diminishing smallness to emphasizing relative largeness.

marginally larger

It indicates a slightly increase of size.

a bit bigger

Indicates that the subject is somewhat beyond the lower range of the size.

somewhat bigger

Emphasizes the increase in size, even if only slightly.

moderately sized

Uses a general descriptor for a size that is neither excessively small nor large.

not quite tiny

Focuses on denying that something is extremely small, implying it is of a more substantial size.

more considerable

Indicates a more noteworthy size or quantity.

to a greater extent

It indicates that the subject has more importance that other subject in some context.

FAQs

How can I use "less small" in a sentence?

You can use "less small" to compare the relative size or quantity of two things, indicating that one is not as small as the other. For example: 'This portion is "less small" than the sample I received yesterday'.

What is a simple alternative to "less small"?

A simple alternative to "less small" is "smaller", which directly indicates a reduced size or quantity. However, "less small" can be useful to stress the relativity of the comparison.

When should I use "smaller" instead of "less small"?

Use "smaller" when directly comparing two items and indicating one is of a reduced size. Use "less small" when emphasizing that something is not as insignificant as something else.

Is "less small" grammatically correct?

Yes, "less small" is grammatically correct, but it's important to use it in contexts where the comparison is clear. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable and correct in written English.