smaller amounts

USAGE SUMMARY

'smaller amounts' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe how something is done in lesser quantities. For example, "The store has switched to using smaller amounts of plastic in its packaging."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Other donors pledged smaller amounts.

The Economist

They spent slightly smaller amounts in 1998.

The New York Times

Illegal activities involving smaller amounts of money.

The New Yorker

The professors cautiously followed suit, taking smaller amounts.

The New York Times - Food

Yet some of the smaller amounts attracted the most opposition.

The New York Times

Shorter-term Treasuries have also rallied, although by smaller amounts.

The New York Times

A coalition of Western countries provided smaller amounts.

The Economist

Now he must go after multiple, smaller amounts.

The Economist

Rents drop, and smaller amounts of inventory cost less.

The New York Times

Even the smaller amounts, he says, can be effective.

The New York Times - Tech

Now it is interested in handling even smaller amounts.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing quantities, be specific. Instead of just saying "smaller amounts", quantify the amounts or provide a comparative benchmark to give your statement more impact.

Common error

Avoid using "smaller amounts" as a catch-all phrase. Replace it with more descriptive terms that specify the type and context of the amount being referenced. For example, use "lower volume", "reduced intake", or "less funding" for greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smaller amounts" functions as a noun phrase, often used as an object or complement within a sentence. It modifies another noun, describing that it is present in reduced quantities. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "smaller amounts" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes a reduction in quantity, size, or degree. According to Ludwig, it's versatile enough to appear in various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While the phrase is widely accepted, remember to provide specific quantities or comparisons for greater clarity. Consider using alternatives like "lesser quantities" or "reduced portions" depending on the nuance you want to convey. Avoid overuse and vague descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lesser quantities

Emphasizes a reduced quantity or volume.

reduced portions

Highlights a decrease in the size of servings or allotments.

lower doses

Specifically refers to reduced amounts in medical or scientific contexts.

diminished quantities

Focuses on the action of decreasing quantities over time.

modest sums

Implies amounts that are not significant or impressive, especially in financial contexts.

slight measures

Highlights the small degree or extent of something.

minimal volumes

Emphasizes the extremely small size of amounts, often in scientific or technical settings.

trier amounts

Refer to low or inexistent amount to measure a sample.

smaller portions

Refer to a very tiny quantity.

reduced quantities

Highlights the reduction of the quantity in question.

FAQs

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

You can use "smaller amounts" to describe reduced quantities or portions, such as "The recipe calls for "smaller amounts" of sugar" or "They now offer loans in "smaller amounts"".

What is a good alternative to "smaller amounts"?

Alternatives include "lesser quantities", "reduced portions", or "lower doses", depending on the specific context you're referring to.

Is it better to say "smaller amounts" or "lesser amount"?

"Smaller amounts" is generally preferred when referring to multiple countable items or non-countable substances, while "lesser amount" might be used when the item is considered a single, collective entity. For instance, "smaller amounts of water" vs. "a lesser amount of effort".

How does "smaller amounts" compare to "fewer amounts"?

"Smaller amounts" is generally used for non-countable nouns (e.g., water, sugar), while "fewer amounts" is grammatically incorrect. Instead, use "fewer" with countable nouns (e.g., "fewer items", "fewer coins").