a bit thinner than normal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bit thinner than normal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that has less thickness or density compared to what is typically expected. Example: "The fabric feels a bit thinner than normal, which might affect its durability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The cord is as you might expect, plain and a bit thinner than normal.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is said to be a bit thinner than Heinz's, but also comes in a wide range of varieties.

The Guardian

Perhaps the daunting narrative element explained why the entrants in this year's contest are fewer and their productions a bit thinner than in the seven previous editions.

The New York Times

Lumpia is a bit thinner than spring roll wrappers but the taste is quite similar.

WikiHow

Add water to your grout mix, making it a little bit thinner than you normally would (about like cake batter).

WikiHow

"I am a bit thinner now than what I would like to be," Ms Murphy told a reporter at the opening on 3 December.

Independent

It seems to be housed in a similar, albeit a bit thinner casing than that of the outgoing MacBook Pro.

TechCrunch

Slice the steak on the diagonal, against the grain, no thicker than one-half inch, preferably a bit thinner.

The New York Times - Food

Some spots look a bit thin.

The New York Times

Cheery, certainly, but a bit thin.

Independent

2004: "Classic" — that is, a bit thin.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a bit thinner than normal", ensure the context clearly establishes what the 'normal' thickness is for accurate comparison. For instance, 'The paper stock is a bit thinner than normal for this type of publication.'

Common error

Avoid using "a bit thinner than normal" without specifying what is being compared. Saying 'The material is a bit thinner than normal' is vague. Specify: 'The material is a bit thinner than normal for outdoor use.'

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bit thinner than normal" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It describes a deviation from a standard or expected thickness. Ludwig AI confirms this common usage, showcasing its role in describing subtle variations in physical properties.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a bit thinner than normal" is a grammatically correct and frequently used comparative adjective phrase that describes a slight reduction in thickness compared to an expected standard. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears across various contexts including news, media, wiki articles, and scientific publications. When using this phrase, be sure to provide adequate context to ensure clarity in the comparison. Alternatives like ""slightly less thick than usual"" or ""somewhat more slender than average"" can be considered based on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly less thick than usual

Emphasizes a small degree of difference in thickness compared to what's typical.

somewhat more slender than average

Highlights a subtle increase in slenderness relative to the average.

a little less dense than expected

Focuses on density rather than thickness, indicating a minor deviation from the anticipated density.

not as robust as generally seen

Shifts the comparison to robustness, suggesting a lower level of strength or solidity.

slightly shallower compared to normal

Replaces thickness with shallowness, pointing out a minor reduction in depth.

marginally finer than typical

Uses 'finer' to indicate a smaller or more delicate quality than is usually the case.

a tad more flimsy than standard

Introduces 'flimsy' as a measure of reduced robustness or solidity.

a hair less substantial than usual

Emphasizes the lack of substance or solidity in comparison to the norm.

somewhat more delicate than ordinary

Highlights a quality of increased delicacy or fragility.

a shade lighter than anticipated

Focuses on weight rather than thickness, implying a slight reduction in heaviness.

FAQs

How can I use "a bit thinner than normal" in a sentence?

You can use "a bit thinner than normal" to describe something that deviates slightly from its expected or standard thickness. For example, "The dough is "a bit thinner than normal", so it might cook faster."

What's a synonym for "a bit thinner than normal"?

Alternatives to "a bit thinner than normal" include "slightly less thick than usual", "somewhat more slender than average", or "a little less dense than expected" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "a bit thinner than usual" instead of "a bit thinner than normal"?

Yes, "a bit thinner than usual" is often interchangeable with "a bit thinner than normal". The choice depends on which sounds more natural in your sentence. For example, both "The ice is "a bit thinner than normal"" and "The ice is "a bit thinner than usual"" are acceptable.

When should I avoid using "a bit thinner than normal"?

Avoid using "a bit thinner than normal" in highly formal or scientific writing where more precise measurements or descriptions are expected. In such cases, providing specific numerical values or using more technical terminology is preferable.