smaller wider

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smaller wider" is not correct in English as it combines two contradictory adjectives.
It cannot be used in written English because "smaller" and "wider" describe opposing dimensions and cannot logically coexist. Example: "The box is smaller wider than the previous model" is incorrect.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Clinton's fox-like, forty-eight-hundred-word plan for smaller, wider reforms contains so many details that it's impossible not to quibble with some of them.

The New Yorker

For non-zero (beta, ) one side of the wire is larger than the other, hence the electron wave functions in regions where the nanowire is smaller (wider) become diminished (enhanced).

Journal of Theoretical and Applied Physics

These make sense from an architectural standpoint as, under conditions such as high wind speeds, the structure of a smaller, wider stem will reduce the stress a stem is exposed to.

BMC Plant Biology

You can make it bigger and smaller, wider and thinner.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Hence the decision to buy smaller wide-body jets for long-haul routes.

The Economist

Faced with a big fall in Asian business, many airlines switched their jumbos to the Atlantic, where previously they might have used smaller wide-bodies.

The Economist

A small, wide-eyed young man sidles up to me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Driver and guide leap out and catch the culprit – a small, wide-eyed child.

The Guardian - Travel

It is compactly built, with a rounded head; large, round eyes; and small, wide-set ears.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But unfortunately, we are not the only ones going out to look for small, wide-eyed primates in these forests.

The New York Times

He's a small, wide-smiling man, who seems to inner-tube through life on currents of joy and amusement.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "smaller wider" in formal writing due to its contradictory nature. Instead, choose a phrase that accurately reflects the intended meaning, such as "more compact" or specify the dimensions that are changing.

Common error

Do not combine contradictory dimensional adjectives without clarification. If intending to describe a change in proportions, specify which dimension is decreasing and which is increasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smaller wider" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, although its usage is generally considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI indicates that it combines contradictory adjectives. The phrase attempts to describe an object or concept undergoing simultaneous dimensional changes.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "smaller wider" is grammatically questionable due to the conflicting nature of the adjectives, as noted by Ludwig AI. It aims to describe simultaneous dimensional changes but often results in ambiguity. While examples can be found across scientific, news, and wiki sources, it is advisable to avoid this phrase in formal writing. Instead, consider using alternatives like "more compact" or specifying which dimension is decreasing and which is increasing to ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more compact

Implies a reduction in size and potentially a change in shape, conveying a similar but less direct meaning.

less wide

Focuses only on reducing the width, omitting the 'smaller' aspect.

less broad

Similar to 'less wide', but applicable to a broader range of contexts.

reduced in breadth

Similar to 'less broad' but more formal.

less extensive

Emphasizes a reduction in overall scope or extent, rather than specific dimensions.

more limited in width

Specific to width but omits the shrinking of other potential dimensions.

diminished span

Indicates something reduced, usually in dimension.

narrower yet larger

Acknowledges both a reduction in one dimension and an increase in another, maintaining the contradictory aspect.

shorter expansion

Describes something with less length and wider.

contracted and expanded

Uses antonyms to describe dimensional changes, highlighting the opposition in a more abstract way.

FAQs

Is the phrase "smaller wider" grammatically correct?

No, the phrase "smaller wider" is grammatically incorrect because it combines two contradictory adjectives. "Smaller" implies a reduction in size, while "wider" suggests an increase in width. These two concepts are generally mutually exclusive.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "smaller wider"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "more compact", "narrower yet larger", or specify the dimensions that are changing to avoid the contradiction. For example, you might say "less wide" or "more compact" depending on the specific context.

How can I use "smaller" and "wider" in the same sentence correctly?

To use "smaller" and "wider" in the same sentence correctly, you need to specify what is becoming smaller and what is becoming wider. For example, "The new model is smaller in height but wider in base" clarifies the dimensional changes.

What does it mean if something is described as "smaller and wider"?

Describing something as "smaller and wider" without context can be confusing. It typically implies that one dimension is decreasing while another is increasing, such as a design that is shorter but has a "wider base". Clarity depends on providing specific context.