a lot leaner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lot leaner" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that has been made thinner or more efficient, often in the context of physical appearance or processes. Example: "After following a strict diet and exercise regimen, I noticed that my body became a lot leaner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"My prose these days is a lot leaner.

The Guardian - Books

"What's worrisome is that American business has gotten used to being a lot leaner, and it could take a while before they start hiring again".

The New York Times

"I have the ability to run a lot more, I feel a lot leaner," Giambi said, adding with a smile that he might consider doing underwear ads.

The New York Times

"What's worrisome is that American business has gotten used to being a lot leaner, and it could take a while before they start hiring again".Here's another example:At Ford, revenue in its North American operations is down by $20 billion since 2005, but instead of a loss like it had that year, the unit is expected to earn more than $5 billion in 2010.

The Economist

"We'll organise in the short term and get some points on the board but, moving forward, we have to make sure we get a lot leaner than we are at the moment".

BBC

From an operations point of view, BlockTrail's decentralized approach is clearly a lot leaner than the likes of Coinbase — the team is only around six staff at this stage (vs Coinbase's up to 250 circa 110 staff).

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

I was born with a lot of lean, slow muscle.

The New York Times

Living through a lot of lean years changes the entire culture, and not for the best.

The New York Times

It ends up being a lot of lean protein, egg whites, chicken, fish, a tonne of green vegetables, and then carbs, oatmeal, sweet potatoes and fruit.

Independent

"We have people who have been coming to our games and have been season ticket-holders for 40 years and supported us through a lot of lean years.

The New York Times - Sports

Between that point and the Super Bowl, they've had a lot of lean years.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a lot leaner", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being compared. For example, specify what the subject was like before becoming "a lot leaner" to provide a clearer understanding of the change.

Common error

Avoid using "a lot leaner" when simply referring to being thin. "Leaner" implies a reduction or refinement of something, not just a state of being. Using "much thinner" may be better suited if you are just commenting someone's aspect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lot leaner" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a significant reduction in size, complexity, or inefficiency. Ludwig examples shows that the phrase typically appears after a verb of being, such as 'is' or 'become'.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a lot leaner" is an adjective phrase used to describe a significant reduction in size, complexity, or resources. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English, although it is not extremely common. The phrase typically appears in news and media contexts, indicating a move towards greater efficiency or simplicity. When using "a lot leaner", it's important to ensure the context clearly indicates what is being compared. For more formal settings, consider using alternatives like "much more streamlined" or "significantly reduced". Also, remember that "leaner" implies a reduction or refinement, and if you just intend to describe someone's aspect, you can chose a better phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

much more streamlined

Emphasizes efficiency and simplicity, suggesting a smoother operation or process.

considerably more efficient

Highlights the improvement in productivity and resource utilization.

significantly reduced

Focuses on the quantifiable decrease in something, such as weight or expenses.

substantially trimmed down

Suggests a deliberate effort to make something smaller or lighter.

far more economical

Stresses the financial benefits and cost-effectiveness.

markedly less bulky

Refers to a physical reduction in size and weight.

noticeably more agile

Indicates improved responsiveness and adaptability.

considerably less resource-intensive

Emphasizes the reduction in resources required for operation or production.

much more lightweight

Highlights the reduction in weight, making something easier to handle or transport.

significantly more optimized

Implies an improved configuration for maximum efficiency.

FAQs

What does "a lot leaner" mean?

"A lot leaner" means something has been significantly reduced in size, complexity, or resources. It implies a comparison to a previous state, indicating a positive change or improvement.

How can I use "a lot leaner" in a sentence?

You can use "a lot leaner" to describe improvements in efficiency, physical fitness, or resource management. For example: "After the restructuring, the company became "a lot leaner"." or "My prose these days is "a lot leaner"."

What can I say instead of "a lot leaner"?

You can use alternatives like "much more streamlined", "significantly reduced", or "considerably more efficient" depending on the context.

Is "a lot leaner" formal or informal?

"A lot leaner" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "significantly more efficient".