smaller than necessary

USAGE SUMMARY

"smaller than necessary" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase.
It is typically used when expressing that something is not as much as what is expected or needed. For example: "She only bought half of the ingredients for the cake, which was smaller than necessary."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

1. Select an appropriate value of t unit, which (to minimise computational resources) should be no smaller than necessary.

Crime Science

If the slot size is smaller than necessary to transmit the backlogged data, the maximum allowed packet size is sent and a rest of the data is buffered.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

It is important to note here that the literature value for the binding constant of the phosphatase enzymes, which catalyze the backwards reactions, are much smaller than necessary to impose the weak binding approximation.

Plosone

If Δ ϵ c is chosen smaller than necessary the same ranking of parameters will be obtained but the algorithm may require more computation time.

BMC Systems Biology

These data represent the largest cohort of interferon β-1b-exposed patients reported to date; however, the sample size was still smaller than necessary to have sufficient statistical power to draw definitive conclusions.

BMJ Open

If the acetabular bone is very sclerotic and hard, or if the hemispherical dome created by reaming is smaller than necessary, it is difficult for the acetabular cup to contact the bottom of the bone bed since its pole cannot reach the predetermined depth.

European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Although insufficient information on driving pressure during extracorporeal support could be found to be included in the general meta-regression evaluation, the identified inverse association between cannula size and mortality could be indicative of the risks of insufficient extracorporeal support due to smaller-than-necessary cannula use.

Annals of Intensive Care

The original effect size on which our power calculation was based was conservative (10% difference); we showed a larger-than-postulated effect size, which reached significance in our smaller-than-necessary sample size.

BMC Public Health

Using a smaller wire than necessary can result in electrical fire.

WikiHow

It was observed that using only 0.1% wt of NaOH for the catalytic process, amount smaller than the necessary to neutralize the castor oil, it was possible to obtain high yields.

The Journal of Supercritical Fluids

Miyazawa [35] claims that there were no observations of triggered earthquakes in the northern direction, but dynamic stress changes toward the north were comparable to or smaller than those necessary for triggering in the southwestern direction.

Geoscience Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "smaller than necessary", ensure the context clearly defines what the 'necessary' amount or size would be. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using overly dramatic language when describing something as "smaller than necessary". Exaggeration can undermine your credibility. Instead, provide factual details to support your claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smaller than necessary" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating that the noun's size or quantity is less than what is required or needed. Ludwig AI confirms that it follows standard grammatical rules, indicating it is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "smaller than necessary" is a grammatically sound and usable comparative phrase, primarily functioning to express a deficiency or inadequacy. Ludwig AI indicates its adherence to standard grammar. While not exceedingly common, it finds usage across various contexts, notably in scientific, news-related, and general informational domains. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the standard or requirement against which the size is being compared. Common errors involve overstating the deficiency, so maintaining a factual and objective tone is crucial. Alternatives like "less than required" or "insufficient" can provide similar meanings with slight variations in formality or emphasis. The use of this phrase is generally neutral.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less than required

Replaces "necessary" with "required", implying a formal need or specification.

not enough

Uses a simpler, more direct way to express insufficiency.

insufficient

Replaces the comparative structure with a single adjective indicating inadequacy.

below the minimum

Focuses on a quantifiable lower limit that is not met.

subpar

Describes something as being below an expected or acceptable standard.

inadequate

Similar to 'insufficient' but can also imply a lack of quality.

falling short

Uses a phrasal verb to indicate a failure to reach a required level.

lacking the essentials

Highlights the absence of critical components.

deficient

Indicates a lack of something necessary or important.

under the threshold

Emphasizes that a certain boundary or limit has not been reached.

FAQs

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

You can use "smaller than necessary" to indicate that something is not as large or great as it needs to be. For example, "The allocated budget was "smaller than necessary" to complete the project successfully."

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

In a formal context, consider using alternatives like "insufficient", "inadequate", or "less than required". These options convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

Is it always negative to describe something as "smaller than necessary"?

Typically, yes. The phrase "smaller than necessary" usually implies that something is deficient or lacking in some way, hindering its effectiveness or ability to fulfill its purpose.

What is the difference between "smaller than necessary" and "smaller than required"?

While similar, "smaller than necessary" suggests a general need, while "smaller than required" implies a specific, often formally stated, requirement. Using "smaller than required" highlights non-compliance with set standards.