substantially smaller than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantially smaller than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the size of two or more items, indicating a significant difference in size. Example: "The new model is substantially smaller than its predecessor, making it easier to transport."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fish Crows are substantially smaller than American Crows.

Cornell University

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

The Guardian

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

The Guardian

Mesh generation time is shown to be substantially smaller than with many other methods.

Computer-Aided Design

In addition, nanoscale reinforcements are substantially smaller than traditional advanced fibers used in composites.

Comprehensive Composite Materials II

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

The New York Times

This value is substantially smaller than that found in epoxy matrix modified with hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene.

Polymer

And why would it offer a market substantially smaller than the EU – the world's biggest trading bloc – the same access?

The Guardian - Opinion

The saturated filters could be built substantially smaller than the current design guidelines without sacrificing treatment performance.

Ecological Engineering

The coolant volume fraction is substantially smaller than that of the tight lattice fuel assembly in Super FRs.

Nuclear Engineering and Design

It often happens that the effective population size is substantially smaller than the number of individuals in any one generation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing sizes, ensure both items are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify whether you are comparing volume, area, or linear dimensions.

Common error

Avoid comparing items using different units. For example, do not compare the area of one object to the length of another using the phrase ""substantially smaller than""; ensure both measurements are in the same units.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantially smaller than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun by describing its size in relation to another noun. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in diverse contexts to highlight significant differences in magnitude.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

33%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "substantially smaller than" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to indicate a significant difference in size. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across diverse fields like science, news, and academia. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what is being compared and that the units of measurement are consistent. Alternatives like "significantly smaller than" or "noticeably smaller than" offer subtle variations in emphasis, catering to nuanced communication needs. The frequency of the phrase's appearance in reputable sources underscores its reliability in formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significantly smaller than

Highlights the importance of the size difference.

noticeably smaller than

Indicates the difference is easily observed.

markedly smaller than

Stresses the clear and easily noticeable difference in size.

considerably less than

Emphasizes a notable reduction in quantity or degree, rather than solely size.

appreciably less than

Focuses on the perceptible or measurable difference in amount or degree.

considerably tinier than

Replaces "smaller" with a more descriptive adjective, maintaining the substantial difference.

much smaller than

Simplifies the phrasing while retaining the core meaning of a size difference.

drastically smaller than

Suggests a more extreme difference in size.

substantially lighter than

Shifts the comparison to weight rather than size, while preserving the significant disparity.

well below the size of

Changes the structure to focus on the magnitude being below a certain reference.

FAQs

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

Use "substantially smaller than" to indicate a significant difference in size between two items. For example, "The new phone is substantially smaller than the previous model."

What are some alternatives to "substantially smaller than"?

You can use alternatives such as "significantly smaller than", "considerably less than", or "noticeably smaller than" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "substantially smaller than" and "slightly smaller than"?

Yes, "substantially smaller than" indicates a significant difference in size, while "slightly smaller than" suggests only a minor difference.

When is it appropriate to use "substantially smaller than" in formal writing?

It is appropriate in formal writing when you need to emphasize a notable size difference. Ensure the comparison is accurate and relevant to the context.