smaller time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smaller time" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used in contexts where you are comparing durations or intervals, but it is better to use more standard expressions. Example: "We need to complete this project in a smaller time frame than originally planned."

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

But, Mr. Rove added, "we were having to get it done in a much smaller time frame".

The New York Times

Several species are recognized, and the genus is useful for correlating smaller time divisions within the Ordovician.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The smaller time difference between Britain and Afghanistan is intended, John says, to make their operators less prone to tiredness and killing civilians.

The Guardian

A smaller time step yields an increasingly accurate, yet more computationally demanding solution.

Chemical Engineering Science

Besides, the simulation period is divided into smaller time intervals for more efficient optimization.

Journal of Hydrology

Many applications in diverse disciplines require estimates of evapotranspiration (ET) at hourly or smaller time steps.

Journal of Hydrology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Managers, particularly smaller time-pressed shops, seem willing to provide their data and even pay a fee to be included in Investorforce's online database of money managers.

The New York Times

In contrast to common long-term regulation, the utility function here changes on a smaller time-scale.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Furthermore, the 2014 total lightning processor (TLP100), well designed with new algorithm and techniques, provides smaller time-of-arrival errors and better location accuracy.

Electric Power Systems Research

A smaller σ, i.e., a smaller time-step, will result in the curves shifting downwards.

Biophysical Journal

This error was time-step dependent and was therefore minimized by using smaller time-steps in this loop.

Biophysical Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing time, consider using more common alternatives such as "shorter time" or "reduced time" for improved clarity.

Common error

While grammatically acceptable, using "smaller time" can sound unnatural. Opt for alternatives that are more idiomatic and readily understood by your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smaller time" functions as an adjectival modifier followed by a noun. It describes the duration of something, indicating that it is of a shorter or lesser extent. Ludwig provides examples where it modifies terms like "frame", "divisions", "intervals" and "steps".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

74%

News & Media

12%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "smaller time" is grammatically acceptable but not always the most natural choice. Ludwig AI suggests that alternatives like "shorter time" or "reduced time" often provide greater clarity and flow. Its primary function is to indicate a reduced duration, predominantly in scientific and news contexts. While widely used, especially in technical writing, writers should consider audience and purpose, opting for more common alternatives when appropriate to avoid potential awkwardness. With a source quality score of 80 and a human expert rating of 3.8, the phrase is generally reliable, but strategic word choice can further enhance communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shorter time

Replaces "smaller" with "shorter", a more common adjective for describing time duration.

reduced time

Emphasizes the decrease or lessening of the time period.

less time

A simpler and more direct way of expressing a decreased amount of time.

shorter duration

Uses "duration" instead of "time" for a slightly more formal tone.

brief period

Substitutes "time" with "period" and "smaller" with "brief", highlighting conciseness.

narrow window

Emphasizes the limited opportunity within a specific timeframe.

limited time frame

Highlights the constraint on the allotted time.

compressed timeframe

Conveys the idea of time being squeezed into a smaller space.

quicker interval

Focuses on the speed or rate at which something occurs within the time.

accelerated pace

Highlights the increased rate of activity or progress within a given time.

FAQs

What is a more common way to say "smaller time"?

Alternatives to "smaller time" include "shorter time", "reduced time", or "less time", which are generally preferred for their clarity and natural sound.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "smaller time"?

While "smaller time" can be used in contexts where you are comparing durations, it's often better to use phrases like "shorter timeframe" or "reduced interval" for better readability.

Is "smaller time" grammatically incorrect?

No, "smaller time" is not grammatically incorrect, but according to Ludwig AI it is considered somewhat awkward. Using alternatives can improve the flow and clarity of your writing.

How does "smaller time" compare to "smaller time scale"?

"Smaller time" generally refers to a shorter duration, while "smaller time scale" refers to a finer level of temporal resolution or measurement. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing duration or resolution.