not as big

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not as big" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the size of two or more objects or concepts, indicating that one is smaller than the other. Example: "The new model is not as big as the previous version, making it easier to store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Just not as big".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's not as big as yours".

The New York Times

"It's not as big, not as gaudy.

The New York Times - Sports

It's not as big a classic.

The Guardian - Sport

"I'm not as big as Nick.

The New York Times - Sports

It's not as big an acquisition as feared.

The New York Times

In the house, the TV is not as big.

The New York Times

But that cushion is not as big as it seems.

The Economist

But the plume was not as big as last month's.

The New York Times

Tuesday Not as big a turnout at the protest today.

The New Yorker

Yes, but not as big as in Europe.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not as big" to soften potentially negative comparisons. For instance, instead of saying "Your contribution was small", try "Your contribution was not as big as others', but still valuable."

Common error

Avoid using "not as big" when the difference is negligible or irrelevant. Overusing it can make your writing seem unnecessarily comparative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not as big" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to indicate that one entity is smaller in size, extent, or degree than another. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not as big" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is smaller in size, extent, or degree compared to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reliable sources. While its register leans towards neutral, more formal contexts might benefit from more precise alternatives. When using "not as big", ensure the comparison is clear and relevant, and avoid overuse. Top sources include The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Economist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not so large

A more direct synonym, varying slightly in tone.

smaller in size

Focuses specifically on physical dimensions.

comparatively smaller

Directly compares the size, explicitly indicating a lesser dimension.

less substantial

Emphasizes a lack of material or importance.

of reduced scale

Highlights the diminished proportions in a more formal manner.

on a smaller scale

Implies a reduced scope or extent.

less significant

Shifts the focus to importance rather than physical size.

not quite as expansive

Focuses on the limited reach or scope.

diminished in magnitude

Emphasizes a reduction in overall impact or force.

to a lesser extent

Shifts the focus from size to degree or intensity.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "not as big"?

You can use alternatives like "smaller in size", "less substantial", or "not so large" depending on the context.

How can I use "not as big" in a sentence?

Use "not as big" to compare the size or extent of two things. For example, "The company's revenue this quarter was not as big as last quarter's".

What's the difference between "not as big" and "smaller"?

"Not as big" is a comparative phrase that implies a comparison between two specific entities. "Smaller" is a more direct adjective that simply describes the size of one entity. You can use "The apple is "smaller"" or "The apple is not as big as the orange".

Is it always appropriate to use "not as big" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "not as big" might be perceived as less formal than alternatives like "of reduced scale" or "diminished in magnitude", especially in scientific or academic contexts. Choose the phrasing that best suits the tone of your writing.