substantially smaller

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantially smaller" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant difference in size between two or more objects or entities. Example: "The new model is substantially smaller than its predecessor, making it easier to transport."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But since 2000, Vestre Svartisen has become "substantially smaller".

The Guardian

Many reckon the industry needs to become substantially smaller.

The Economist

And its promotional budget will be substantially smaller too.

The New York Times

Sunday's cycling crowd was substantially smaller, just 170 riders.

The New York Times - Sports

It turned out to be a runt substantially smaller than the moon.

The Guardian

The Tory party is substantially smaller, more elderly and suffering from defections to Ukip.

The Guardian

Cambridge's race gap for medical applicants is substantially smaller than that of its rival, Oxford University.

The Guardian

This would make the jail substantially smaller than it was before the storm.

The New York Times

The likelihood of accidents goes down very substantially and therefore the size of the tunnel becomes substantially smaller".

The Guardian - Tech

The Scottish firm is a substantially smaller company but its investors would have gained 37% of the combined business.

The Guardian - Business

This least scientific of comparisons suggested, as feared, that the more adventuresome organization would draw a substantially smaller audience.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "substantially smaller" to clearly indicate a significant difference in size when precision is not critical. It implies a notable and easily perceived reduction.

Common error

While "substantially smaller" is broadly applicable, consider stronger or more precise language in highly formal or scientific writing. Options like "significantly reduced" or providing specific measurements might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantially smaller" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing the degree to which something is less in size. Ludwig AI shows many instances where it modifies nouns related to physical objects, quantities, or abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantially smaller" is a versatile phrase used to highlight a significant reduction in size. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used in both news and scientific contexts. When writing, remember that "substantially smaller" implies a notable difference; consider alternatives like "slightly smaller" if the difference is minimal. While generally appropriate, more precise language may be preferable in highly formal settings. In addition, remember that "substantially smaller" is a phrase whose focus is to be simple and understandable, so you should consider this before applying it in a text.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerably tinier

Emphasizes the degree of reduction in size, focusing on being 'tinier'.

significantly reduced

Focuses on the act of reduction and its significance, rather than direct size comparison.

markedly diminished

Highlights a noticeable decrease in size or impact.

noticeably decreased

Emphasizes the decrease is easily observed.

appreciably slighter

Indicates a perceptible but potentially subtle reduction in size.

substantially lighter

Focuses on weight instead of size, implying a reduced burden or impact.

considerably narrower

Specifies a reduction in width rather than overall size.

vastly more compact

Emphasizes the compactness resulting from the size reduction, implying better space utilization.

much more petite

Implies a delicate or refined smallness.

considerably more miniature

Highlights that something is a small, often detailed, version of something else.

FAQs

How can I use "substantially smaller" in a sentence?

You can use "substantially smaller" to describe a significant difference in size, as in: "The new phone is "substantially smaller" than the previous model."

What are some alternatives to saying "substantially smaller"?

Alternatives include "significantly smaller", "considerably smaller", or "noticeably smaller", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "substantial smaller" instead of "substantially smaller"?

No, the correct phrasing is "substantially smaller". "Substantially" is an adverb modifying the adjective "smaller". Using "substantial" (an adjective) is grammatically incorrect in this context.

What is the difference between "slightly smaller" and "substantially smaller"?

"Slightly smaller" indicates a minor difference in size, while "substantially smaller" indicates a significant and easily noticeable difference. The choice depends on the degree of size difference you want to emphasize.