smaller than unity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smaller than unity" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in mathematical or scientific contexts to describe a quantity that is less than one. Example: "The probability of success in this experiment is smaller than unity, indicating that it is less than certain."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Since this value is smaller than unity, the condition is satisfied [4].

Journal of the European Optical Society-Rapid Publications

Note however that the right-hand side is smaller than unity.

IZA Journal of Migration

The ideal cake filtration model does not fit the filtration resistance appropriately even considering a retention smaller than unity.

Journal of Membrane Science

Particularly, the quantity (boldsymbol {mathcal {F}}_{i}) has a spectral radius smaller than unity and thus is stable.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Therefore, in this paper, we are mainly concerned with cases in which S is smaller than unity.

Earth, Planets and Space

Similarly, the real effective exchange rate is significantly negative, as expected, but is far smaller than unity (−0.019).

Journal of Economic Structures

The analysis of the histogram shows that for a large percentage of pixels (blocks) the ratios are smaller than unity.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

The torque measurements indicated that the viscosity ratio between the LCP and PVC matrix is much smaller than unity.

Polymer

An additional critical velocity was found, however, for acoustic extinction when the Lewis number was smaller than unity.

Combustion and Flame

According to the microcrack model representing shales with low porosity, both analytical and numerical results show that the effective stress coefficient is much smaller than unity.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

It is shown that the streaming potential effect predominates when this ratio is larger than unity and the slip effect predominates when this ratio is smaller than unity.

Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "smaller than unity" in scientific writing, clearly define the variable or quantity you are describing to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify whether it refers to a ratio, coefficient, or probability.

Common error

Avoid using "smaller than unity" in contexts where a simple "less than one" suffices. Overusing technical jargon can make your writing less accessible to a broader audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smaller than unity" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It typically modifies a noun, describing its relative size or magnitude in relation to the numerical value of one. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "smaller than unity" is a grammatically correct and frequently used comparative phrase, particularly in scientific contexts, meaning 'less than one'. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and typical usage. While alternatives like "less than one" exist, "smaller than unity" is favored for its precision in formal and technical writing. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly define the variable or quantity you're describing. Avoid overuse in general contexts where simpler phrasing would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less than one

Replaces "unity" with its numerical equivalent, offering a more direct and common expression.

below one

Uses a prepositional phrase to indicate a value lower than one.

with a value below one

Rephrases using "value" to focus on the numerical aspect.

less than the whole

Emphasizes that the quantity is not complete or entire.

with a magnitude less than one

Uses "magnitude" to emphasize the size or extent of the quantity.

a fraction of one

Highlights that the value represents a portion of a single unit.

a proportion below one

Highlights that the value represents a part related to a whole.

a decimal less than one

Specifies the numerical format of the value.

a coefficient less than one

Specifies that the value is a coefficient.

a ratio below one

Indicates the value is a ratio and less than one.

FAQs

What does "smaller than unity" mean?

The phrase "smaller than unity" means less than one. It is often used in technical contexts to describe values, ratios, or coefficients that are less than the number one.

When is it appropriate to use "smaller than unity" instead of "less than one"?

Use "smaller than unity" in formal, technical, or scientific writing where precision and a specific register are desired. In more general contexts, "less than one" is perfectly acceptable and often clearer.

What are some alternatives to saying "smaller than unity"?

Alternatives include "less than one", "below one", or "a fraction of one", depending on the specific context. These alternatives can provide a more accessible or concise way to express the same concept. For example "less than one" or "below one".

Is "smaller than unity" mathematically equivalent to "less than one"?

Yes, "smaller than unity" and "less than one" are mathematically equivalent. Both phrases indicate a quantity with a value less than 1. The choice of phrase often depends on the formality and context of the writing.