Large/small/high/low

“Large” and “small” are generally used to express variations or changes in size, dimensions, or mass. “High” and “low” are usually used to express levels or numerical values. “Large” and “small” are often mistakenly used where “high” and “low” would be better.

Examples:

BAD: Large particulate and ozone emissions were measured in Beijing’s air on 278 days in 2009.
GOOD: High particulate and ozone emissions were measured in Beijing’s air on 278 days in 2009.
BAD: A low amount of the processor’s memory is taken by the browser application and graphics rendering.
GOOD: A small amount of the processor’s memory is taken by the browser application and graphics rendering.
BAD: A high fluctuation in average storm drain outflow was detected between June 4 and 18.
GOOD: A large fluctuation in average storm drain outflow was detected between June 4 and 18.

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Original URL: http://www.springer.com/authors/journal+authors/journal+authors+academy?SGWID=0-1726414-12-837824-0

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