will be smaller

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "will be smaller" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a future comparison in size or quantity, often in contexts involving predictions or expectations. Example: "If we reduce the budget, the overall expenses will be smaller than last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The state will be smaller.

The Guardian

They will be smaller institutions.

The New York Times

Engine displacements will be smaller but with greater horsepower.

The New York Times

Of course, the number of combatants will be smaller.

The New York Times

For import-intensive sectors, the benefits will be smaller.

The Guardian - Business

Sotheby's figures, due out on March 1st, will be smaller.

The Economist

The Democratic majority in the Senate will be smaller.

The New York Times

Go on a weekday, when the crowds will be smaller.

The New York Times

Many other organisations working with the department will be smaller aid agencies.

The Guardian

Future iterations, says Gondek, will be "smaller, use less energy… Everyone could have one".

The Guardian - Tech

Kitchens and living rooms will be smaller because residents can use the common spaces for entertaining.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "will be smaller", clearly specify what is decreasing in size or quantity to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The project will be smaller", specify "The project's budget will be smaller".

Common error

Avoid using "will be smaller" without providing context or comparison. Saying "The house will be smaller" is unclear without indicating what it's smaller than (e.g., "The new house will be smaller than our previous one").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "will be smaller" functions as a comparative adjective phrase indicating a future state of reduced size or quantity. Ludwig AI confirms this by providing numerous examples where it's used to compare sizes, amounts, or degrees. It's used to express predictions or expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "will be smaller" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate a future reduction in size, quantity, or scope. As evidenced by the numerous examples identified by Ludwig AI, this phrase appears predominantly in news, science, and formal business contexts, maintaining a neutral tone suitable for broad application. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the subject of the reduction to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "will decrease in size" or "will be reduced" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will decrease in size

Emphasizes a reduction in physical dimensions.

will diminish

Focuses on a gradual reduction in size, importance, or intensity.

will be reduced

Highlights the action of making something smaller.

will contract

Suggests a shrinking or drawing together.

will lessen

Indicates a reduction in amount, degree, or intensity.

will shrink

Implies a reduction in size or amount, often suddenly.

will become more compact

Focuses on the idea of being more tightly packed or condensed.

will be of a lesser magnitude

Emphasizes a decrease in the scale or significance.

will taper off

Suggests a gradual decrease to a smaller size or amount.

will abate

Indicates a reduction in intensity or degree.

FAQs

How can I use "will be smaller" in a sentence?

Use "will be smaller" to indicate a future decrease in size, quantity, or extent. For example: "The company's marketing budget "will be smaller" next year due to budget cuts."

What are some alternatives to "will be smaller"?

You can use alternatives like "will decrease in size", "will be reduced", or "will diminish" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "will be smaller" or "will be more small"?

"Will be smaller" is correct. "Will be more small" is grammatically incorrect; use the comparative adjective form, smaller, instead.

What is the difference between "will be smaller" and "will shrink"?

"Will be smaller" is a general comparison indicating a future reduction in size. "Will shrink" implies a more active and often rapid reduction in size. For example: "The ice cap "will shrink" due to global warming" suggests a faster reduction than saying "The ice cap "will be smaller" in the future".