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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
smaller in width
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "smaller in width" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the width of two or more objects or dimensions, indicating that one is less wide than the other. Example: "The new model of the smartphone is smaller in width compared to its predecessor, making it easier to hold."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
Wiki
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
8 human-written examples
(Shorter in length and smaller in width, it apparently allows doctors to be more precise).
News & Media
The Audiovox is the most compact of the four models, about a half-inch smaller in width and height than the other radios but just as powerful.
News & Media
In ROM 784 (Dyoplosaurus) and ROM 1930 (Euoplocephalus), each successive free caudal vertebra is approximately 3% smaller in width than the preceding vertebra.
Science
Moreover, the transformed brain images of the Chinese test participants into the U.S. (child and adult) templates were greater in length, and smaller in width and height compared with their original brain images (Table 4), suggesting that the Chinese children's brain may be generally shorter, wider, and taller than the U.S. child and adult templates created from North U.S. populations.
The tighter you pull, the smaller in width your bracelet will be.
Wiki
Remember, the bottom teeth are smaller in width than the upper teeth and, therefore, need not match the upper teeth.
Wiki
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
52 human-written examples
Figure 1c shows the FE-SEM image of the product with reaction time of 30 min, and we find out that when more and more ZnO nanoflakes have formed and self-assembled into clusters, aluminum substrate is partially covered with these clusters and ZnO nanoflakes are very small in width and height.
Science
For instance, the binocular fields of a diurnal raptor (Short-toed Eagle [20]) are small in width (20°) and vertical extent (80°), but they are wider (48°) in a nocturnal raptor (Tawny Owl [23]).
Science
To do so, we make use of the fact that the initial perturbation that triggers a wave does not necessarily have to be small in width.
Take the big bit and fold it over, so the side smallest in width is against the other.
Wiki
Our general "model" of a scratch is a long thin line which runs along all the image with any orientation and color, but which may also have small variations in width and direction, some little interruptions, but no branches.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When comparing two objects, use "smaller in width" to clearly specify that you are referring to the width dimension, avoiding ambiguity with other dimensions like height or length.
Common error
Avoid using "smaller in width" when you actually mean smaller in circumference or girth. "Width" refers to a linear dimension, while "girth" refers to the measurement around an object.
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "smaller in width" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun by indicating a reduction in the width dimension. It's used to describe something that has a lesser width compared to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.
Frequent in
Science
50%
Wiki
22%
News & Media
28%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "smaller in width" is a grammatically sound and generally well-received way to indicate that something has less width than something else. According to Ludwig AI, it's considered correct and usable. While perhaps not as common as alternatives like "narrower", it is more precise. It is particularly useful in scientific and technical contexts where specifying the dimension is important. When using "smaller in width", ensure that you are referring to a linear dimension and not, say, the circumference of an object. Although its frequency is classified as uncommon, its presence in reputable sources such as The New York Times, Wikipedia and scientific journals confirms its validity in both general and specialized writing. Be sure to consider other options like "less wide" or "narrower" for stylistic variation.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
narrower
Single word replacement that directly indicates a reduced width.
less wide
Direct synonym indicating a reduction in width.
reduced in breadth
Uses a more formal term for width (breadth).
with a decreased width
A more descriptive way of saying smaller width.
thinner
Implies a smaller dimension in the width direction, especially for flat objects.
having a smaller transverse dimension
Technical term referring to width.
of reduced lateral dimension
Focuses on the side-to-side measurement.
compact in width
Emphasizes space-saving due to reduced width.
laterally compressed
Suggests the width has been reduced by compression.
more slender
Implies a graceful narrowness.
FAQs
How can I use "smaller in width" in a sentence?
You can use "smaller in width" to compare the widths of two or more objects, for example: "This new model is "smaller in width" than the previous version."
What is a synonym for "smaller in width"?
A simple synonym for "smaller in width" is "narrower", which directly conveys the idea of reduced width.
Is it correct to say "less wide" instead of "smaller in width"?
Yes, "less wide" is a perfectly acceptable alternative to "smaller in width". Both phrases have the same meaning and are grammatically correct.
What's the difference between "smaller in width" and "thinner"?
"Smaller in width" specifically refers to the width dimension, while "thinner" often implies a smaller dimension perpendicular to the surface of a flat object. "Smaller in width" is more precise when comparing widths.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested