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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
smaller turnaround time
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "smaller turnaround time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing efficiency or speed in processes, particularly in business or project management contexts. Example: "Our new system has significantly reduced the smaller turnaround time for customer inquiries, allowing us to respond more quickly."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(4)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
This in turn allows jobs to finish executing earlier and results in jobs having a smaller turnaround time.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
23 Compared with the conventional culture technology, PCR technologies yield results with a higher sensitivity, a much smaller sample volume and less laboratory turnaround time.
Fig. 7 illustrates the results for the Epigonomics tasks, for which the turnaround time is also comparatively small.
Science
Under the fast fashion business system, retailers place small, more frequent orders with a short turnaround time and lower manufacturing costs (Parker and Dickson 2009).
Science
This is a small, battery-powered, reflectance photometer with a turnaround time of 60 seconds that uses chemistry test strips on which a drop of blood is applied.
Science
The multiplex format is advantageous over simplex assays as it is particularly economical in terms of cost of material (mastermix, consumables) and turnaround time and suitable for small volume samples and high-throughput.
Science
On the other hand, PCR analysis permits accurate sizing of alleles in the normal, the "gray zone," and the premutation size ranges on small amounts of DNA in a relatively short turnaround time.
Science
The advantages of IHC, which include preserved tissue morphology, quick turnaround time and ability to assay small amounts of tissue such as core biopsies, have established it as the principal ancillary study in diagnostic pathology.
Science
To optimize and reduce turnaround time, the ideal batch size is as small as possible.
Science
Measurement of GAGs is performed at a small number of specialty laboratories nationwide and generally requires days to weeks turnaround time, delaying diagnosis and initiation of treatment.
Science
Shortening test turnaround time from 12 days to either 7 days or 2 days had the smallest impact on preference weights, ORs, and WTPs under both scenarios.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When aiming for conciseness, consider using "shorter turnaround time" as a more common alternative to "smaller turnaround time".
Common error
Avoid using "smaller" when referring to a decrease in time itself. Instead of saying a process has a "smaller" turnaround time, emphasize the reduced duration by stating it has a "shorter" or "faster" turnaround time.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "smaller turnaround time" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun phrase "turnaround time". This implies a reduction or decrease in the duration required for a process or task, as demonstrated by Ludwig.
Frequent in
Science
50%
News & Media
25%
Formal & Business
25%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "smaller turnaround time" is grammatically understandable, according to Ludwig it is a less common construction compared to alternatives like "shorter" or "faster turnaround time". Its primary function is to describe a reduction in the time required for a process or task, often highlighting improvements in efficiency. The phrase appears most frequently in scientific, news and business contexts. When writing, consider using more conventional phrasing for enhanced clarity and impact.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
quicker turnaround
Uses a more concise phrasing to convey the same meaning.
accelerated response time
Emphasizes the speed of response, a component of turnaround time.
faster cycle time
Uses a different term, "cycle time", to refer to a similar concept of completion time.
reduced processing time
Focuses on the processing aspect and its reduction, rather than the entire turnaround.
decreased waiting period
Highlights the reduction in waiting, which contributes to a shorter turnaround.
shortened processing duration
Highlights the processing phase of turnaround time and its reduced length.
improved completion rate
Shifts the focus from time to the rate of completion, implying faster turnaround.
expedited completion timeframe
Stresses the speed and specified duration for completion.
diminished lead time
Focuses on the lead time, which influences the overall turnaround.
compressed project timeline
Refers to a project context, indicating a shorter duration for the project's turnaround.
FAQs
What does "smaller turnaround time" mean?
The phrase "smaller turnaround time" refers to a reduction in the time it takes to complete a process, task, or service. Essentially, it means the process is completed more quickly.
What can I say instead of "smaller turnaround time"?
You can use alternatives like "shorter turnaround time", "faster turnaround time", or "reduced turnaround time" depending on the specific context.
Is "smaller turnaround time" grammatically correct?
While understandable, "smaller turnaround time" isn't as common as "shorter turnaround time" or "faster turnaround time". The latter options are generally preferred for clarity and idiomatic usage.
When is it appropriate to focus on improving or reducing the "turnaround time"?
Improving or reducing the "turnaround time" is especially critical when efficiency is a priority, such as in manufacturing, customer service, or project management, where quicker completion times directly impact productivity and customer satisfaction.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested