Learn how to use the comparative “smaller” and superlative “smallest” with example sentences and differences.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Comparative adjectives help us to describe how good or bad something is when compared to something else. For example, something is taller than something else. Superlative adjectives help us to describe something as having the most or least of a particular characteristic within a group. This makes it easier and more accurate to talk about and compare things.

What is the comparative form of “smaller”?

The comparative form of “smaller” is “smaller”.

Example

The toy car is smaller than the real car.

Example

She bought a smaller house after downsizing.

What is the superlative form of “smaller”?

The superlative form of “smaller” is “smallest”.

Example

Among all the fruits, blueberries are the smallest.

Example

The studio apartment is known for being the smallest living space.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

'Most' and 'more' are generally not used with small, smaller, and smallest. They’re considered regular comparatives and superlatives. The forms 'more small' and 'most small' are not used because they sound awkward. Instead, smaller and smallest are the correct and preferred forms to use.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

Small does not have an irregular comparative or superlative form. It follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: SmallSmaller Superlative: SmallSmallest

Expressions with similar meanings to “smaller”

Used to describe something that is smaller in size or quantity

Example

He chose the lesser of two evils.

Used to emphasize extreme smallness

Example

The tinier details can make a big difference in the overall design.

A slightly formal way of expressing increased smallness or efficiency

Example

The new phone is more compact than the previous model.

Expressions with similar meanings to “smallest”

Similar to smallest, this emphasizes extreme smallness

Example

The tiniest pebble can cause a ripple effect in the water.

A slightly formal way of expressing the highest level of smallness or efficiency

Example

The most compact laptop is perfect for travelers.

Using than with comparative “smaller”

When using the comparative form smaller to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "The cat is smaller than the dog." Here, than is used to show that the size of 'the cat' is less than the size of 'the dog'.

How can I use this expression in context?

“smaller” and “smallest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Objects

    The new phone is smaller than the old one.

    The new phone is smaller than the old one.

  • 2Living Spaces

    The apartment is smaller than the house.

    The apartment is smaller than the house.

  • 3Portions

    He ordered a smaller portion of fries.

    He ordered a smaller portion of fries.

  • 4Animals

    The mouse is the smallest mammal.

    The mouse is the smallest mammal.

  • 5Quantities

    She needs a smaller amount of sugar for the recipe.

    She needs a smaller amount of sugar for the recipe.

Related idioms and phrases

Size doesn't matter

The importance or quality of something is not determined by its size.

Example

Even though it's a small car, it can still perform well. Size doesn't matter.

Good things come in small packages

Something small can still be valuable or impressive.

Example

Don't underestimate her abilities just because she's short. Good things come in small packages.

Think big, start small

To have ambitious goals but begin with small steps.

Example

He dreams of starting his own business, but he knows he needs to think big, start small.

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