proportionally smaller

USAGE SUMMARY

"proportionally smaller" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when comparing sizes or quantities that decrease in relation to something else. For example: "The new model is proportionally smaller than the previous version." Alternative expressions include "relatively smaller" and "smaller in proportion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The American Church is proportionally smaller, and more embattled, than many of its counterparts elsewhere; for years, immigration has been its sole source of consistent growth.

The New Yorker

Pterosaurs, especially the later forms, have rather large heads, rather stiff necks that won't apparently fold into a bird-like S-shape, and proportionally smaller bodies.

The Guardian

First, we can compare Xenopus laevis to the smaller, related species Xenopus tropicalis, which lays smaller eggs and has proportionally smaller cells throughout development.

University of California, Berkeley

Since forcing calves into a shortened position also reduces the load on them, he expected the heel-wearers' muscles to be proportionally smaller.

The Economist

Future changes in climate are likely to lead not only to an increase in heat-related deaths in the UK, but also a proportionally smaller decrease in cold-related deaths".

The Guardian

Gunther Schneider-Siemssen, who designed masterful sets for the Salzburg Festival and the Metropolitan Opera's "Ring" cycle, created opulent scenery of old-world charm with twinkling candelabra, and backgrounds represented with laser projections proportionally smaller servants.

The New York Times

Mr. Carson advocates a flat tax, saying he finds the idea of letting those with less income pay a proportionally smaller tax bill "very offensive, having grown up poor.

The New York Times

An extra slice of bread offered to a family that has 30 slices, however, will have less marginal utility, since the difference between 30 and 31 is proportionally smaller and the family's hunger has been allayed by what it had already.

Britannica

The volume fraction, i.e., the actual pulmonary exchange tissue per lung parenchyma, was 63.22 ± 7.3%; the total respiratory surface was, on average, 0.214 ± 0.129 m2; it was significantly negatively correlated to body mass, with larger snakes having proportionally smaller respiratory surfaces.

Zoology

The email slice may be proportionally smaller but it's getting bigger overall".

TechCrunch

The notch was less dominating because the 6.5in display is bigger so the camera element proportionally smaller.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "proportionally smaller" to clearly indicate that a reduction in size or quantity is relative to something else, ensuring the comparison is explicit and understood within the context.

Common error

Avoid using "proportionally smaller" when referring to absolute size differences. The phrase implies a comparison, so ensure there's a clear reference point; otherwise, opt for simpler terms like "smaller".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proportionally smaller" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing a noun by indicating that its size or quantity is reduced relative to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "proportionally smaller" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to express a relative reduction in size or quantity. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and appropriate for various contexts. Its usage is particularly prevalent in scientific and news media sources, indicating its utility in precise, comparative descriptions. When employing this phrase, ensure a clear reference point for the comparison is evident to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "relatively reduced" or "scaled down" can be used for stylistic variation. The key takeaway is to use "proportionally smaller" when you aim to emphasize a size or quantity difference relative to something else, ensuring the comparison is explicit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relatively reduced

Emphasizes the comparative aspect of the reduction.

comparatively diminished

Highlights a decrease in comparison to something else.

correspondingly less

Indicates a direct relationship where one thing decreases as another does.

scaled down

Suggests a reduction in size while maintaining proportions.

lessened in proportion

Clearly states that the reduction is relative to a specific proportion.

reduced on a relative scale

Focuses on the scaling aspect of the reduction.

smaller in relation

Directly expresses a size difference relative to something else.

comparatively tinier

Emphasizes the smallness in comparison.

relatively contracted

Suggests a shrinking or reduction in size.

less in comparative terms

Highlights that the reduction is understood through comparison.

FAQs

How can I use "proportionally smaller" in a sentence?

You can use "proportionally smaller" to describe something that is reduced in size relative to another thing. For example, "The new model is "proportionally smaller" than its predecessor."

What are some alternatives to using "proportionally smaller"?

Alternatives include "relatively reduced", "comparatively diminished", or "scaled down", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "proportionally smaller" instead of just "smaller"?

Use "proportionally smaller" when you want to emphasize that the size difference is relative to another factor or object. If you only want to indicate absolute size, just use "smaller".

Is "proportionally smaller" grammatically correct?

Yes, "proportionally smaller" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.