smaller than usual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smaller than usual" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is less in size compared to what is typically expected or experienced. Example: "The shirt I ordered arrived, but it's smaller than usual, so I need to exchange it for a larger size."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Staffs were smaller than usual.

The New York Times

The prime ministerial bald patch was smaller than usual.

The Guardian

As scientists expected, her babies were born smaller than usual.

The Guardian

The same would be true if the declines in January and February are smaller than usual.

The New York Times

The turnout was slightly smaller than usual for the 1,000-member 1,000-member.

The New York Times

Apples will also be smaller than usual, as a result of the drought.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Ellis and Abraham took smaller-than-usual signing bonuses in exchange for guaranteed years later in the deal and advances on their first-year salaries.

The New York Times - Sports

Brazil's health ministry in November confirmed the Zika virus was linked to a fetal deformation known as microcephaly, in which infants are born with smaller-than-usual brains.

The Guardian

"I'm very pleased to be supporting Lindsay Roy [the Labour candidate] today," was all she would say, in a smaller-than-usual, slightly robotic voice.

The Guardian

She later married Louis Cohen, who, according to family lore, manufactured smaller-than-usual handbags during the Depression "because people had less money," Mr. Herzlinger said.

The New York Times

Mr. Prendergast said the agency also had to contend with a smaller-than-usual work force because of the Christmas holiday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "smaller than usual" when you want to emphasize that a reduction in size is noticeable or unexpected, not just a minor difference.

Common error

Avoid using "smaller than usual" without providing sufficient context, as it can leave the reader wondering what the 'usual' size is. Provide specific details or comparisons to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smaller than usual" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating that its size is less than what is typically expected or observed. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

17%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "smaller than usual" is a common and grammatically correct comparative adjective phrase used to describe something that is less in size compared to what is typically expected. Ludwig AI confirms its broad usability across various contexts. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science. When using this phrase, it is important to provide context to clarify what 'usual' refers to. Alternatives include "less than normal size" and "smaller than average".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less than normal size

Focuses on the degree of reduction in size compared to the expected norm.

smaller than average

Highlights a comparison to the average or typical size.

below the usual size

Emphasizes a position below the typical measurement.

under the normal dimensions

Refers to dimensions being less than what is considered standard.

of a reduced size

Highlights the state of being reduced in size, omitting direct comparison.

not as large as usual

Uses a negative construction to express the size difference.

on the small side

Offers an informal way to indicate something is smaller.

miniaturized compared to normal

Highlights that something has been made smaller than what is considered normal.

relatively diminutive

Employs a more formal term to describe the smaller size in relation to something else.

tinier than expected

Focuses on the surprise of finding something that is smaller than anticipated.

FAQs

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

You can use "smaller than usual" to describe anything that is reduced in size compared to what is typically expected. For example, "The turnout was "smaller than usual" for the event."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "smaller than usual"?

Alternatives include "less than normal size", "smaller than average", or "below the usual size", depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to specify what the 'usual' size is when using "smaller than usual"?

While not always necessary, providing a reference point for the 'usual' size adds clarity and prevents ambiguity. If the context is already well-understood, it may not be required.

What is the difference between "smaller than usual" and "smaller than normal"?

The phrases "smaller than usual" and "smaller than normal" are largely interchangeable. Both indicate a reduction in size compared to the expected or typical size. The choice often comes down to stylistic preference.