smaller than

USAGE SUMMARY

'smaller than' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are comparing the size of two items, usually with the words 'bigger' or 'larger'. For example, "My laptop is smaller than my desktop computer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Attendance was smaller than expected.

The New Yorker

It's smaller than Montclair".

The New York Times

For him, comedy was smaller than life.

The New Yorker

And "Stroked" feels even smaller than that.

The New York Times - Arts

Beta particles are smaller than alpha particles.

The New York Times - Health

"Billing no smaller than Morgan Stanley".

The New Yorker

Terns are, in general, smaller than gulls.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To count: What's smaller than Apple?

The New Yorker

They were indeed smaller than expected.

The Economist

Most terns are smaller than gulls.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Everything is smaller than he remembers.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing sizes, ensure both items are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "a compact car is smaller than a full-size SUV."

Common error

Avoid using "less than" when referring to physical size; "smaller than" is more appropriate. For example, say "the room is smaller than I expected", not "the room is less than I expected".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smaller than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used. It serves to establish a size-based relationship between two distinct entities, indicating that one is of lesser dimension or magnitude than the other. It is a common way to express size differences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

22%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "smaller than" is a grammatically sound and very common comparative phrase used to indicate that one entity is of lesser size, magnitude, or dimension than another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and used across diverse contexts, ranging from News & Media to Encyclopedias. While more formal alternatives exist, "smaller than" is generally suitable for most situations. When using this phrase, ensure that the items being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity, and avoid using "less than" to describe physical size, as the accurate expression is "smaller than".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as big as

A more informal way to express a size comparison.

not quite as large as

A more nuanced way to indicate a smaller size.

tinier than

Emphasizes the smallness with a more descriptive word.

less extensive than

Focuses on the scope or extent rather than the physical size.

under the measurement of

Indicates that the item is below a specific measurement threshold.

of a lower magnitude than

Emphasizes a difference in scale or significance.

of reduced dimensions compared to

A formal and precise way to express size difference.

under the size of

Specifically indicates a size limit or threshold.

less substantial than

Highlights that one item has less substance or significance than another.

dwarfed by

Suggests a significant difference in size, where one item makes the other appear insignificant.

FAQs

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

Use "smaller than" to compare the dimensions of two objects or concepts. For example, "A chihuahua is smaller than a Great Dane", or "The risk is smaller than we initially thought".

What's a more formal way to say "smaller than"?

In a formal context, you could use phrases like "of reduced dimensions compared to" or "less extensive than" depending on the specific aspect of size you are addressing. However, "smaller than" is generally acceptable in most contexts.

Is it correct to say "less big than" instead of "smaller than"?

While understandable, "less big than" is not grammatically standard. The correct and preferred phrase is "smaller than". Using "not as big as" is also acceptable.

When should I use "fewer than" instead of "smaller than"?

"Smaller than" refers to size or magnitude, while "fewer than" refers to countable items. For example, "a smaller portion" versus "fewer calories". If you can count the items, use "fewer than"; otherwise, use "smaller than".