smaller quantity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smaller quantity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing amounts or sizes, indicating that one amount is less than another. Example: "In order to reduce costs, we need to order a smaller quantity of materials this time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fewer refers to a smaller number of something less refers to a smaller quantity.

The Guardian

This recipe makes more than one serving; there isn't much point in making a smaller quantity.

The Guardian

Price was one reason - they could get a bigger hit with a smaller quantity compared with other drugs.

The Guardian

4) There will be enough pastry to make two tart cases but it isn't practicable to make a smaller quantity.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mr. Fry's counterpart of French Champagne consists primarily of pinot noir for depth; a smaller quantity of chardonnay adds zip.

The New York Times

Given the choice between one live shrimp and two dead shrimp, the cuttlefish also opted for the smaller quantity.

The Guardian

On the contrary, the formation of microvoids resulted in relatively smaller quantity of energy dissipation.

Polymer

It is found that smaller quantity is more favorable to achieve the intrinsic mechanical spectra of deposited materials.

Physica B: Condensed Matter

Osteoporosis is the radiological image of osteopenia, a pathological concept meaning a smaller quantity of bone per unit of volume.

Injury

Mr. Petrossian sells mostly Iranian and Russian caviar in his shop in Paris and those in the United States, and a much smaller quantity of French and American.

The New York Times

The introduced disturbance with higher intensity confined in some range can lead to smaller quantity of erosion of wall.

Wear

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two quantities, use "smaller quantity" to clearly indicate which one is less. Ensure the context provides a clear point of reference for the comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "less quantity" as it is grammatically incorrect. "Less" should be used with uncountable nouns, while "smaller" is appropriate for countable nouns. For example, use "smaller quantity of items" not "less quantity of items".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smaller quantity" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as an object or complement in a sentence. It modifies a noun or pronoun, specifying a reduced amount or number of something. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, highlighting its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

40%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "smaller quantity" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a reduced amount or number. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, predominantly in science and news media. Remember to use "smaller" with countable nouns and avoid the common error of saying "less quantity". Alternatives like "lesser amount" or "reduced volume" may be used depending on the context. Using "smaller quantity" correctly ensures clear and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lesser amount

Focuses on the amount, implying a decrease in the total sum or volume.

reduced volume

Emphasizes the physical space occupied, suitable when discussing liquids or gases.

lower proportion

Highlights the relative size or share in comparison to a whole.

diminished number

Refers specifically to a count, useful when discussing countable items.

decreased supply

Indicates a reduction in the availability of something, often in a commercial context.

minimal quantity

Suggests the smallest possible amount, bordering on insignificance.

slighter measure

Implies a small degree or extent, suitable for abstract concepts.

smaller measure

Focuses on the action of measuring something, emphasizing a reduced measurement

more limited extent

Emphasizes the constraint or boundary, highlighting the restricted nature of the amount.

narrower margin

Suggests a reduced difference or gap, suitable for comparative contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "smaller quantity" to compare amounts. For instance, "We ordered a "smaller quantity" of supplies this month due to budget constraints."

What is an alternative to saying "smaller quantity"?

Alternatives include "lesser amount", "reduced volume", or "lower proportion", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "less quantity" instead of "smaller quantity"?

No, it is generally incorrect. "Less" is used for uncountable nouns (e.g., "less water"), while "smaller" is used for countable nouns (e.g., "smaller number", ""smaller quantity" of items").

What's the difference between "smaller quantity" and "smaller amount"?

While both phrases indicate a reduced size, "quantity" typically refers to countable items, and "amount" often refers to uncountable substances or abstract concepts. You can use ""smaller quantity" of products" and "smaller amount of effort".