smaller and smaller

USAGE SUMMARY

"smaller and smaller" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual decrease in size or amount of something. Here are a few examples: - As the days went by, the pile of paperwork on my desk seemed to get smaller and smaller. - The water level in the lake continued to drop, inch by inch, until it was just a small puddle. - He started out with a large pizza, but as he ate, the slices got smaller and smaller until there was nothing left on the plate.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He grew smaller and smaller.

The New Yorker

"Our FM coverage area has been getting smaller and smaller and smaller," he said.

The New York Times

"But the president's agenda keeps getting smaller and smaller and smaller".

The New York Times

But what we take home keeps getting smaller and smaller.

The New York Times

Above us, the drone is getting smaller and smaller.

The New Yorker

"The more money, the families become smaller and smaller".

The New York Times

Across the world, fish are getting smaller and smaller.

The Guardian

As a result, her world gets smaller and smaller.

The Guardian

"Even though people could bump, the whole population was getting smaller and smaller and smaller," explained Witkowski.

The Guardian

People used cards to pay for smaller and smaller items.

Independent

"My world was getting smaller and smaller," he recalls.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "smaller and smaller" to effectively describe a gradual reduction in size, quantity, or scope. It emphasizes a continuous process of diminishing proportions.

Common error

While "smaller and smaller" is acceptable in most contexts, avoid overuse in highly formal or scientific writing. Consider more precise alternatives like "progressively decreasing" or "increasingly diminutive" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smaller and smaller" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe a progressive decrease in size or magnitude. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. Ludwig examples show it modifies various nouns, highlighting its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "smaller and smaller" is a grammatically correct and very common adjectival phrase used to describe a continuous reduction in size, amount, or scope. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, but also appears in scientific and general writing. While versatile, more formal alternatives like "increasingly smaller" may be preferred in highly formal contexts to prevent overuse. When aiming to highlight a progressive diminishing with the intent to emphasize a continuous process of reduction, "smaller and smaller" is a perfect fit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increasingly smaller

This alternative focuses on the "increasing" aspect of the reduction, highlighting the process rather than the state.

progressively decreasing

Similar to "increasingly smaller", it focuses on the incremental steps of the size reduction.

gradually diminishing

Emphasizes the gradual nature of the reduction, suggesting a slow and steady decrease.

continuously shrinking

Highlights the ongoing nature of the decrease in size.

ever-decreasing

This alternative emphasizes the ongoing and potentially endless nature of the reduction.

shrinking bit by bit

This alternative emphasizes the incremental nature of becoming smaller and smaller.

less and less

This alternative focuses on the decrease in quantity or amount, rather than physical size.

on a downward trend

Shifts the focus to a general trend of reduction, applicable in broader contexts.

dwindling steadily

This option emphasizes a constant and continuous reduction in size.

becoming microscopic

Implies reduction to a very small, almost invisible size.

FAQs

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

You can use "smaller and smaller" to describe something that is continuously decreasing in size or amount, for example: "As the company's profits declined, their market share became "smaller and smaller"".

What are some alternatives to saying "smaller and smaller"?

Alternatives to "smaller and smaller" include "increasingly smaller", "gradually diminishing", or "progressively decreasing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "smaller and smaller"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "smaller and smaller" is a common construction used to indicate a continuous reduction in size.

When is it appropriate to use "smaller and smaller" in writing?

The phrase "smaller and smaller" is appropriate in various contexts, from informal descriptions to more formal analyses, where you want to emphasize a gradual decline. However, you can also use "increasingly smaller" for a more formal tone.