shorter in number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shorter in number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing quantities or counts, indicating that one group has fewer items than another. Example: "The new model is shorter in number compared to the previous version, making it more efficient."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Richardson group, still short in number, was along the wall next to that for John Edwards.

The New York Times

Regular officials were short in number and experience and could not be easily spared for local administration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Though alternate paths may not be shortest in number of hops, they may have less traffic.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Cancellara's 2011 and 2012 campaigns were both short in number of victories, while the latter was hampered by injuries throughout.

Wikipedia

From these ChIP-chip sequences, we identified motifs 19, 21, 22, 25, 26, and 28, whereas motif 27, which is short in number of location genes, could not be verified.

Chinese Journal of Cancer

Mitotic microtubules are shorter, larger in number, and highly dynamic.

Histochemistry and Cell Biology

Updated at 3.12pm GMT 1.51pm GMT Canada 0-0 USA, 3 05 2nd period Canada are short in numbers, but Spooner lifts a shot towards Vetter who makes a chest save and covers up.

The Guardian - Sport

"I wouldn't have want this to have gone to extra time because we are short in numbers for the game on Saturday.

BBC

Because the population of Duttlenheim was short in numbers, it proved difficult to field a team of 11 players of equal ages; Wenger did not play for FC Duttlenheim until the age of 12. Claude Wenger, a team-mate of Arsène noted his lack of pace as a player.

Wikipedia

In our study, bilateral stenting was only reported in patients with Bismuth type II strictures because in our retrospective review, patients with Bismuth type III and IV strictures who underwent bilateral stenting were short in numbers and had an incomplete follow-up with important data missing; therefore, they could not be included in the study.

BMC Gastroenterology

As previously mentioned, general-purpose planners focus on finding the shortest plan (in number of services or time steps); using all the inputs provided is not a priority.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shorter in number", ensure the comparison is clear. Specify what is being compared and why the difference in number is significant. For example, "The team was shorter in number due to injuries, impacting their performance."

Common error

Avoid using "shorter in number" when "fewer in number" is more appropriate. "Shorter" implies physical length or duration, whereas "fewer" is used for countable items. Use "fewer" when referring to the quantity of discrete entities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shorter in number" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating a reduced quantity or count of something. Although acceptable, Ludwig AI suggests that alternatives like "fewer in number" are more precise and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shorter in number" is grammatically correct but less idiomatic than alternatives such as "fewer in number". Ludwig AI states the phrase is usable but suggests more precise alternatives. Its primary function is to compare quantities and indicate a reduced count, often appearing in diverse contexts. To ensure clarity, use it when comparing quantities and specify the significance of the difference. While grammatically sound, it's essential to consider the context and choose the most appropriate phrasing for precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Fewer in number

Emphasizes the reduced quantity directly, using "fewer" instead of "shorter".

Smaller in quantity

Replaces "number" with "quantity", focusing on the amount rather than the count.

Reduced in count

Uses "reduced" to highlight the decrease, substituting "number" with "count".

Less numerous

Condenses the phrase into a single adjective, simplifying the expression.

Of smaller quantity

Rephrases to emphasize the quantity, using a more descriptive structure.

Limited in number

Highlights a restriction or constraint on the quantity.

Scarcer in quantity

Implies that the quantity is not only smaller but also harder to find.

Lower in count

Directly indicates a decrease in the count, using a simpler term.

Decreased in number

Focuses on the act of reduction in the count.

A smaller amount

Simplifies the phrase to refer to a smaller quantity or amount of something.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "shorter in number"?

Use "shorter in number" when you want to indicate that one set or group has a smaller quantity or count compared to another. However, it is often more appropriate to use "fewer in number" instead.

What's a better alternative to "shorter in number"?

A more common and clearer alternative is "fewer in number", which is specifically used for countable items. Other options include "smaller in quantity" or "less numerous".

Is "shorter in number" grammatically correct?

Yes, "shorter in number" is grammatically correct, but it might not always be the most idiomatic choice. In many contexts, "fewer in number" is a more precise and commonly used alternative.

How does "shorter in number" differ from "fewer in number"?

"Shorter" generally refers to length or duration, while "fewer" refers to a smaller quantity of countable items. Therefore, "fewer in number" is typically more appropriate when discussing the quantity of discrete entities, although the distinction can sometimes be subtle depending on context.