to be shorter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be shorter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the length or duration of something in comparison to another. Example: "I would prefer the meeting to be shorter than the last one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The cycle seems to be shorter now.

The Economist

He wanted them to be shorter.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The charter period needs to be shorter.

The Guardian

It wants to be shorter still.

The New York Times - Books

North Korea watchers had expected the sentence to be shorter.

The Guardian

Garments tend to be shorter and more fitted.

Yale University

Spallation lifetimes were observed to be shorter for thicker coatings.

Acta Materialia

Before the 1970s campaigns tended to be shorter.

The Economist

When conflicts do break out they tend to be shorter in duration and far less violent.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was floor length, but she planned to have it tailored to be shorter.

The New Yorker

He gave all kinds of simple reasons why a bulls' horns might appear to be shorter.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, use "to be shorter" to directly indicate a desired or expected reduction in length or duration.

Common error

Avoid unnecessarily complex sentence structures when "to be shorter" clearly conveys the intended meaning. Simplicity often enhances readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be shorter" functions primarily as an infinitive phrase, often used as a complement or to express a desired state. Ludwig examples confirm its versatile usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be shorter" is a grammatically sound and frequently used infinitive phrase across diverse contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It primarily serves to express a desire, expectation, or need for something to be reduced in length, duration, or size. While maintaining a Neutral register, it's commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Academic sources. For alternative phrasing, consider "to be briefer" or "to be more concise" depending on the specific intention. Overall, "to be shorter" is a versatile and readily understood phrase suitable for various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to become briefer

Emphasizes conciseness and brevity in communication or duration.

to diminish in length

Focuses on the physical reduction in length.

to be less lengthy

A more formal way of saying "to be shorter", emphasizing the reduction in length.

to become more concise

Highlights the act of making something more compact and to the point.

to reduce in size

Focuses on decreasing the overall size or dimensions.

to contract in duration

Implies a reduction in the time something lasts.

to abbreviate itself

Suggests shortening something, especially a text or name.

to be curtailed

Indicates that something is being cut short or reduced.

to undergo shortening

A passive construction that highlights the process of becoming shorter.

to lessen in extent

Emphasizes reducing the scope or range.

FAQs

How can I use "to be shorter" in a sentence?

You can use "to be shorter" when indicating a desired reduction in length, duration, or height. For example, "I expect the meeting "to be shorter" this time" or "The new version needs "to be shorter" to fit the space".

What are some alternatives to "to be shorter"?

Alternatives include phrases like "to be briefer", "to be more concise", or "to diminish in length", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "to be shorter" in formal writing?

It is generally acceptable in formal writing when clarity and directness are prioritized. More formal alternatives might be preferred in highly academic or legal contexts, but ""to be shorter"" is widely understood and appropriate in most professional settings.

What is the difference between "to be shorter" and "to be less lengthy"?

While both phrases convey a reduction in length, ""to be shorter"" is more direct and commonly used, while "to be less lengthy" is a more formal alternative.