smaller amount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smaller amount" is correct and can be used in written English in a number of different contexts.
For example: "I only had a smaller amount of money to spend on the present this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A smaller amount was paid in 2001, she said.

The New York Times - Arts

Social networks such as Facebook make up a smaller amount.

The Guardian - Tech

A smaller amount would go to deficit reduction.

The New York Times

The government will pay a smaller amount for losses less than $10 billion.

The New York Times

An even smaller amount of allspice, maybe an eighth of a teaspoon, would also work.

The New York Times - Food

You can, of course, substitute the soda water with a smaller amount of tequila.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The machine will also perform a smaller amount of climate research.

The New York Times

A smaller amount is stored at the Idaho National Laboratory, in Idaho Falls.

The New York Times

"They get a smaller amount than that given to comparable white organizations.

The New York Times

"It's all getting compressed into a smaller and smaller amount of time".

The New York Times

Littered through the NSA material is a smaller amount of material about Australia's role in surveillance.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "smaller amount", ensure the context clearly defines what is being compared. For example, specify "a smaller amount of sugar" instead of just "a smaller amount".

Common error

Avoid using "smaller amount" without providing a clear reference point or comparison. Without context, the phrase becomes vague and lacks informative value. Instead of saying "I used a smaller amount", specify "I used a "smaller amount of salt" than the recipe called for".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smaller amount" functions primarily as a quantifier, specifically an adjective modifying the noun "amount". It indicates a quantity that is less than some other quantity, real or implied. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

33%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "smaller amount" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate a reduced quantity. Ludwig AI identifies that it appears frequently in contexts such as News & Media and Science, with a neutral formality level suitable for diverse writing styles. When using this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context to clarify what is being compared. Alternatives like "reduced quantity" or "lesser quantity" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Its prevalence across various authoritative sources highlights its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced quantity

Emphasizes the reduction in quantity, suitable when focusing on numerical or measurable aspects.

lesser quantity

A more formal alternative emphasizing the diminished nature of the quantity.

lower volume

Focuses on the physical space occupied, ideal for liquids or bulk materials.

decreased proportion

Highlights a reduction relative to a whole, useful for percentages or ratios.

slight reduction

Emphasizes that the decrease is minimal or not very significant.

minimal quantity

Stresses that the quantity is at the lowest possible level.

diminished portion

Implies that a portion has been made smaller, focusing on the act of reducing.

smaller proportion

Focuses on a part's size in relation to the whole, less about the total quantity.

reduced level

Suitable for abstract concepts, such as reduced level of stress or noise.

lighter dose

Specifically applicable when referring to medication or other substances given in measured amounts.

FAQs

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

You can use "smaller amount" to indicate a reduced quantity of something. For example: "I added a "smaller amount of spice" to the dish because I don't like it too strong".

What's the difference between "smaller amount" and "lesser amount"?

While both phrases indicate a reduced quantity, "smaller amount" is often used for countable items, whereas "lesser amount" is more formal and can apply to both countable and uncountable items. In many contexts, they are interchangeable, but "smaller amount" is generally more common.

Which is correct, "smaller amount" or "less amount"?

"Smaller amount" is generally considered the correct and more idiomatic phrase. "Less amount" is less common and may sound awkward to native English speakers.

What can I say instead of "smaller amount"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "reduced quantity", "lesser quantity", or "lower volume" to convey the same meaning.