somewhat smaller than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat smaller than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when making a comparative statement about the size of one object or entity in relation to another, indicating a slight difference in size. Example: "The new model is somewhat smaller than the previous version, making it easier to handle."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The spending plan was somewhat smaller than the president had requested.

The New York Times

Aqua Dots and Bindeez beads are brightly colored and somewhat smaller than jelly beans.

The New York Times

That loss was somewhat smaller than the average estimate from Wall Street analysts.

The New York Times

(The Nissan Leaf, somewhat smaller than the proposed vehicle, gets 75 miles from its 24kWh battery).

The Economist

At 5 feet 10 inches and 185 pounds, York is slightly bigger than Fleury, somewhat smaller than Graves.

The New York Times - Sports

The new store is somewhat smaller than the one it replaces, which had 37,700 square feet.

The New York Times

But peering closer, one notices that he is somewhat smaller than El Duque and younger, rather boyish looking.

The New York Times - Sports

Juveniles are somewhat smaller than adults and possess only a single stripe of yellow feathers above each eye.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In addition to being somewhat smaller than adults, juveniles also possess gray-coloured feathers on the chest and underparts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Chicks are brown with white undersides, and juveniles are somewhat smaller than adults, possessing shorter, paler crests and paler chins.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But I didn't because I think that my fear of public speaking must be somewhat smaller than my fear of "public running away".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "somewhat smaller than", ensure the context clearly defines the basis of comparison (size, quantity, degree) for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat smaller than" without specifying what is being compared. Vague comparisons can confuse the reader. Always provide context to make the comparison meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat smaller than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating that it possesses a size that is slightly less than another entity. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "somewhat smaller than" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative phrase indicating that one thing is slightly less in size than another. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It appears in diverse contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias, suggesting its versatility and broad applicability. While maintaining a neutral register, remember to provide context for clear comparison. Consider alternatives like "slightly smaller than" or "a little smaller than" for nuanced expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly less than

Indicates a marginally reduced quantity or size.

a little smaller than

Emphasizes a small difference in size.

marginally smaller than

Highlights that the difference is at the margin.

fractionally smaller than

Suggests a very small difference in size.

not quite as big as

Indirectly compares size, emphasizing a shortfall.

somewhat below the size of

Focuses more on the size aspect.

a shade smaller than

Uses a figure of speech to indicate a negligible difference.

barely smaller than

Highlights that the difference in size is minimal.

modestly smaller than

Suggests the size difference is limited and controlled.

insignificantly smaller than

Implies that the size difference is not important or impactful.

FAQs

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

Use "somewhat smaller than" to compare the size of two things, indicating that one is slightly less in size than the other. For example, "The new phone is "somewhat smaller than" the older model".

What phrases are similar to "somewhat smaller than"?

Alternatives to "somewhat smaller than" include "slightly smaller than", "a little smaller than", or "marginally smaller than".

Is it more formal to say "somewhat smaller than" or "a little smaller than"?

"Somewhat smaller than" is perceived as slightly more formal compared to "a little smaller than", though both are generally acceptable in most contexts. The degree of formality also hinges on the source you are using.

When should I not use "somewhat smaller than"?

Avoid using "somewhat smaller than" when the size difference is either negligible or very significant. In those cases, more precise language such as "nearly the same size" or "considerably smaller than" would be more appropriate.