smaller than before

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smaller than before" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a reduction in size or quantity compared to a previous state or measurement. Example: "After the renovation, the living room feels smaller than before, making it less comfortable for gatherings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Though smaller than before, the Pentagon budget still has plenty left.

The New York Times

Their orders tend to be smaller than before, and to require more in-house approvals.

The Economist

But the budget deficit, while smaller than before, keeps coming back.

The New York Times

They're now smaller than before, and they're not fully enclosed, so they have a transient, work-in-progress look.

The New York Times - Arts

And when it was over, the group, slightly smaller than before, hopped on a train and headed home.

The New York Times

Today, ballparks are smaller than before, hitters are stronger, the strike zone is smaller and some say that balls are wound more tightly.

The New York Times

Although much smaller than before, Mr. Adeboi said, the branch offers the same services as before at no loss of comfort to employees.

The New York Times

It was smaller than before, but still had its ancient circular shape and its mix of oak, ash and hazel trees.

The Economist

And there it was — smaller than before, featuring a woman welcoming her husband home with the news that she had figured out how to make her cat's purr serve as her cellphone ring tone.

The New York Times

On the other hand, investment in inventories has been about as volatile and as cyclical this decade as in the past and inventories, though smaller than before, are still big enough to exert a clear cyclical effect.

The Economist

And the likelihood of an unexpected shock after the tests is far smaller than before because the markets have regained confidence in both government bonds and banking stocks in the troubled periphery of the euro zone.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "smaller than before" to directly compare the current size or quantity of something with its previous state. This phrase is effective when emphasizing a reduction or decrease over time.

Common error

Avoid using "smaller than before" when the comparison is not about a direct reduction in size or quantity. For instance, don't say "the problem is smaller than before" if you mean the problem is less significant; use "less significant than before" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smaller than before" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It describes something by comparing its current size to its size at a previous time. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is valid and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "smaller than before" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative phrase that describes a reduction in size or quantity compared to a previous state. As confirmed by Ludwig, its versatility makes it suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reports to scientific publications. While generally neutral in tone, it’s essential to ensure the comparison is about a direct reduction. It's common to find this phrase used in both "News & Media" and "Science" contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced in size

Directly indicates a decrease in physical dimensions.

not as large as previously

Uses a more formal tone to express a size comparison.

decreased in quantity

Emphasizes a reduction in amount or number.

not as big as it used to be

Uses a more casual and conversational tone.

less extensive now

Focuses on a decrease in scope or range instead of size.

diminished in scale

Highlights a reduction in overall size or importance.

shorter than previously

Focuses on length rather than overall size.

lower than it was

Indicates a reduction in level or amount.

thinner than earlier

Specifically refers to a decrease in thickness.

not as significant anymore

Shifts the emphasis to importance rather than physical size.

FAQs

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

You can use "smaller than before" to describe a decrease in size or quantity compared to a prior state. For example, "The crowd at the concert was "smaller than before" due to the rain."

What's a good alternative to "smaller than before"?

Alternatives include phrases like "reduced in size", "less extensive now", or "not as large as previously", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "smaller than before"?

Yes, "smaller than before" is grammatically correct and commonly used to indicate a reduction in size or quantity relative to a previous state. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

When should I use "smaller than before" versus "smaller than ever"?

"Smaller than before" implies a comparison to a specific previous state, while "smaller than ever" indicates the smallest size or quantity in a general historical context. Use "smaller than before" when comparing to a recent or relevant prior state, and "smaller than ever" when emphasizing a record low.