smaller ones

USAGE SUMMARY

"smaller ones" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to things that are smaller than something else. For example: "The store had medium-sized shirts, but I was looking for smaller ones."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Large dolls are manipulated to stomp on smaller ones.

The New York Times

Thus, whacking one big mole created hundreds of smaller ones.

The New York Times

Not so smaller ones.

The Economist

What about all the smaller ones?

The New York Times

"The smaller ones are the best.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It's also one of the smaller ones.

The New York Times

Bigger councils spend more than smaller ones.

The Guardian

Airlines are continuing to replace larger planes with smaller ones.

The New York Times

Will the taller receivers, ultimately, push the smaller ones aside?

The New York Times - Sports

Clubs, especially smaller ones, can be clubby again.

The New York Times - Magazine

But it's very expensive to reach smaller ones".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "smaller ones" to clearly distinguish between two sets of items when comparing their sizes. For example, 'If you have large screws and smaller ones, keep them in separate containers.'

Common error

Avoid using "smaller ones" when the context already implies a comparison. For instance, instead of saying 'Choose the smaller ones for this task, as they are less cumbersome than the larger ones', simply state 'Choose the smaller ones for this task'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smaller ones" functions as a pronoun phrase, referring to entities that are of a lesser size compared to others previously mentioned or implied. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in comparative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

18%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "smaller ones" serves as a pronoun phrase, clearly indicating items of a lesser size in comparison to others. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts. Its prevalence in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources underscores its versatility. When writing, ensure that the comparative context is evident to avoid redundancy. Alternatives such as "tinier ones" or "lesser ones" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey. Overall, "smaller ones" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase suitable for a wide range of communicative purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tinier ones

Replaces 'smaller' with 'tinier' to emphasize the diminutive size.

lesser ones

Substitutes 'smaller' with 'lesser', focusing on a reduced degree or importance.

more petite ones

Uses 'petite' instead of 'smaller', often used for delicate or refined items.

shorter ones

Replaces 'smaller' with 'shorter', specifying a reduction in length or duration.

narrower ones

Focuses on reduced width instead of overall size.

lower ones

Indicates a reduction in height or rank.

fewer of them

Shifts the focus from size to quantity.

more compact ones

Emphasizes the dense and space-saving nature of the items.

miniature versions

Highlights that the items are scaled-down replicas.

scaled-down variants

Similar to 'miniature versions', but more formal.

FAQs

How to use "smaller ones" in a sentence?

You can use "smaller ones" to refer to objects that are less in size compared to others. For example, "The store had large and "smaller ones" available for purchase".

What can I say instead of "smaller ones"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "tinier ones", "lesser ones", or "more petite ones".

Which is correct, "smaller ones" or "smallest ones"?

While both are grammatically correct, "smaller ones" implies a comparison between two sets, whereas "smallest ones" refers to the absolute minimum size within a larger group.

What's the difference between "smaller ones" and "more compact ones"?

"Smaller ones" refers to a difference in overall size, while "more compact ones" indicates that the objects are more densely packed or space-saving.