smaller quantities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smaller quantities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a reduced amount of something, often in contexts like cooking, manufacturing, or inventory management. Example: "For this recipe, you can use smaller quantities of the spices if you prefer a milder flavor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Zinc, mercury, and manganese are present in smaller quantities.

Britannica

(Most of his contemporaries made furniture in smaller quantities).

The New York Times - Arts

Mint is a feature of many recipes, albeit in thankfully smaller quantities.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Hybrids, meanwhile, still use gasoline, albeit in smaller quantities than a regular S.U.V. does.

The New York Times

The Hoffmanns also sell smaller quantities in containers, each weighing about eight ounces.

The New York Times - Style

Steel, and smaller quantities of copper, titanium and tungsten, are also recovered.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Zara, a Spanish chain, produces smaller quantities--say, 20,000 pairs of yellow trousers.

Huffington Post

Gold is found in small quantities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Chromite is also mined in small quantities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"We make everything in small quantities.

The New York Times

In small quantities, exposure causes death.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing ingredients in a recipe, use "smaller quantities" to suggest moderation or a milder flavor profile. For example, "Use "smaller quantities" of salt to control sodium intake."

Common error

While "smaller quantities" is acceptable in most contexts, consider using more precise or technical terms like "lower concentrations" or "reduced volumes" in formal scientific or technical writing to maintain a higher level of specificity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smaller quantities" functions as a noun phrase, where "smaller" modifies "quantities." It typically acts as an object or complement within a sentence, indicating a reduced amount of something. Ludwig examples showcase its use across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "smaller quantities" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression signifying a reduced amount or volume. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability across diverse contexts. While acceptable in most situations, writers should consider context-specific synonyms in formal writing for enhanced precision. Common usage patterns reveal its prominence in News & Media, Wiki, and Encyclopedias, and Scientific content, reflecting its versatile role in both general and specialized communication. Using "smaller quantities" is a good practice to suggests moderation or a milder flavor profile. While "smaller quantities" is acceptable in most contexts, consider using more precise or technical terms in formal scientific or technical writing to maintain a higher level of specificity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lesser amounts

Focuses on the amount being reduced.

reduced volumes

Emphasizes the volume or capacity.

lower proportions

Highlights the relative size or ratio.

minimal portions

Implies very small, often measured servings.

decreased quantities

Highlights the action of reducing the quantity.

scarce amounts

Focuses on the scarcity or limited availability.

limited portions

Emphasizes a restriction on serving sizes.

modest amounts

Suggests a humble or unassuming quantity.

slight amounts

Indicates a small or insignificant quantity.

narrow proportions

Highlights a restricted or limited ratio.

FAQs

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

You can use "smaller quantities" to refer to a reduced amount of something, such as, "The recipe calls for "smaller quantities" of sugar to make it healthier."

What is a good alternative to "smaller quantities"?

Alternatives to "smaller quantities" include "lesser amounts", "reduced volumes", or "lower proportions", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "smaller quantities"?

It's appropriate to use "smaller quantities" when describing a reduction in the amount of something, whether it's ingredients in cooking, materials in manufacturing, or dosages in medicine.

Is there a difference between "smaller quantities" and "fewer quantities"?

While both refer to a reduction in amount, "smaller quantities" is generally used for things that are not countable, like liquids or powders, whereas "fewer quantities" is more appropriate for countable items. However, "smaller quantities" is often used in both cases in common language.