smaller extent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smaller extent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a degree or level of something that is less than another. Example: "The changes made to the project had a smaller extent of impact than initially anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lunch is the same thing, but to a smaller extent".

The New York Times

Ireland satisfies them to a somewhat smaller extent and has had some success revaluing.

The Economist

The same is true, to a smaller extent, of dog racing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The phenomenon of winds speeding and slowing down the rotation rate also occurs on Earth to a smaller extent.

The New York Times

Energy losses occur due mainly to turbulence in the water and, to a smaller extent, to the effects of viscosity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(Chile's inflation figures have been criticised, too, though to a much smaller extent, and Chile's state statistics institute is far more independent of the government than Argentina's).

The Guardian - Business

Other small retailers are taking a tip from the big stores and increasing their advertising spending, albeit to a smaller extent.

The New York Times

However, with the club enjoying a period of footballing transcendence, their organised support has – to a much smaller extent – enjoyed its own renaissance.

The Guardian - Sport

"It is different – it's not like I haven't done it before but in a different way to a smaller extent – but it does take getting used to again.

The Guardian

Today our business model is based on advertising and, to a smaller extent, e-commerce.

Forbes

At 25 °C, kaolinite and, to a smaller extent, muscovite also contribute significantly (Fig. 9).

Geothermal Energy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "smaller extent" to clearly indicate a comparison where one element is less pronounced or significant than another. This helps to create a nuanced understanding of the relative differences.

Common error

Avoid using "smaller extent" when a simpler word like "less" or "smaller" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smaller extent" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate the degree to which an action or state is realized. As Ludwig highlights, it provides a comparative element, showing that something occurs, but in a diminished capacity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

42%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "smaller extent" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase. According to Ludwig, it is employed to compare the degree or impact of different elements, indicating a reduced level or scope. This phrase is common across diverse contexts, including Science and News & Media. While "smaller extent" is considered correct and widely applicable, it is important to avoid overuse and consider simpler alternatives where appropriate. The analysis aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase's correctness and usability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lesser degree

Emphasizes a lower level or intensity.

reduced scale

Focuses on a smaller proportion or magnitude.

limited scope

Highlights the restricted boundaries or range.

diminished capacity

Indicates a reduced ability or power.

smaller proportion

Implies a reduced fraction or percentage.

less significance

Underscores the decreased importance or relevance.

milder form

Suggests a less severe or intense version.

narrower range

Indicates a more restricted or limited spectrum.

lower intensity

Focuses on the reduced strength or force.

to a degree

Expresses a partial or limited agreement or occurrence.

FAQs

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

Use "smaller extent" to compare the degree or impact of two or more things, indicating that one has a lesser effect. For example, "The budget cuts affected education, but to a "smaller extent" than healthcare."

What are some alternatives to "smaller extent"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "lesser degree", "reduced scale", or "limited scope" to express a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "lesser extent" and "smaller extent"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "smaller extent" generally refers to a quantifiable difference in size or scope, whereas "lesser extent" emphasizes a difference in degree or importance.

When is it better to use "smaller extent" over a simpler word like "less"?

Use "smaller extent" when you want to emphasize a comparison and highlight the specific degree to which something is reduced or limited. However, in many cases, "less" may be more concise and equally effective.