are thicker than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are thicker than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the thickness of two or more objects or substances. Example: "The walls of the ancient castle are thicker than those of modern buildings."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Some accents are thicker than others.

The Guardian - Books

A study that tells us people who post inspirational quotes are thicker than us?

The Guardian - Opinion

If stems are thicker than a pen, use loppers instead of pruners to cut back.

The New York Times - Style

Yes, they are thicker than the thinnest LCDs, but they still measure less than four inches.

The New York Times - Tech

Use alcohol pads, or wear black latex surgical gloves, which are thicker than the usual kind.

The New York Times

Front seat side bolsters are thicker than the sedan's for added lateral support.

The New York Times

Spoilers are thicker than plots on "House of Cards," so consider yourself warned.

The New York Times

Since collards are thicker than mustards or turnips, they cooked the longest, and the stench was the worst.

The New York Times - Magazine

The rattlesnakes of Cumberland Island are thicker than fire hoses and so numerous they're like earthworms after rain.

The New Yorker

Intermediate filaments are so named because they are thicker than actin filaments and thinner than microtubules or muscle myosin filaments.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To mute late-night revelry, walls and windows are thicker than normal, said Joseph McMillan, DDG's chief executive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing thickness, ensure the context is clear by specifying what is being compared (e.g., "The walls of the castle are thicker than those of the newer buildings").

Common error

Avoid using "are thicker than" without specifying what the subject is being compared to. For example, instead of "This is thicker than," clarify: "This material is thicker than the standard fabric."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "are thicker than" is to serve as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to describe the degree to which one object or substance exceeds another in terms of its thickness. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is correctly used to highlight differences in dimension.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

34%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are thicker than" is a very common comparative adjective phrase used to describe differences in the dimension of thickness between two or more entities. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used. It appears most often in science and news contexts, with a neutral register. When using this phrase, it's important to clearly specify what is being compared. For alternatives, consider phrases like "are more substantial than" or "are denser than" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are more substantial than

Emphasizes the greater solidity or robustness compared to something else, shifting the focus from mere thickness to overall substance.

have a greater width than

Specifically focuses on the width dimension, offering a more precise comparison when width is the key attribute.

are bulkier than

Suggests a larger overall size, encompassing more than just thickness and implying a greater volume.

are wider than

Similar to 'have a greater width than', focusing on the lateral dimension and extent.

are denser than

Indicates a higher concentration of matter, changing the context from physical thickness to density.

are deeper than

Emphasizes the depth dimension, suitable when comparing the extent of something from top to bottom.

are broader than

Suggests a larger extent or scope, moving beyond simple physical dimensions to encompass a wider range.

are more massive than

Highlights the increased mass or size compared to something else.

are heavier than

Shifts the focus from dimensions to weight, useful when the comparison involves mass rather than physical size.

exceed in thickness

Offers a more formal way to express that something is greater in thickness, suitable for academic or technical contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "are thicker than" in a sentence?

Use "are thicker than" to compare the dimension of thickness between two or more objects. For example: "The newer books "are thicker than" the older pamphlets".

What's a good alternative to "are thicker than"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "are more substantial than", "have a greater width than", or "are denser than". Choose the phrase that best reflects the specific comparison you want to make.

Is it correct to say "is thicker than" instead of "are thicker than"?

The verb form depends on the subject. Use "is thicker than" for singular subjects (e.g., "This book is thicker than that magazine"), and "are thicker than" for plural subjects (e.g., "These books "are thicker than" those magazines").

What is the difference between "are thicker than" and "are wider than"?

"Are thicker than" specifically refers to the dimension of thickness, while "are wider than" refers to the dimension of width. Thickness measures depth, while width measures breadth. Use "are thicker than" when comparing depth of an object and use "are wider than" when the breadth is being considered.