brighter than

USAGE SUMMARY

"brighter than" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to compare two things that can be described in terms of brightness, such as a light, a color, or a smile. For example: "Her smile was even brighter than the summer sun."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Album: Brighter Than Creations Dark.

Huffington Post

Our world is brighter than before.

The New York Times

That prospect is brighter than it was.

The Economist

The picture is brighter than for solar.

The Economist

HE WAS brighter than they were.

The Economist

He burned brighter than the rest.

The Guardian - Sport

The future is brighter than it was".

The Guardian - Sport

Some are brighter than others, however.

The New York Times - Arts

The lamplight was hardly brighter than a candle.

The New Yorker

"The light there is 10 times brighter than anywhere else.

The New York Times - Arts

Her prospects are infinitely brighter than her mother's.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brighter than" to vividly compare levels of light, intelligence, or positive outlooks, ensuring the objects of comparison are clearly defined.

Common error

Avoid using "brighter than" when a simple adjective like "bright" suffices. For example, instead of saying "This is brighter than the sun" when you mean it's incredibly bright, consider simply stating "This is exceptionally bright."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brighter than" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to express a higher degree of brightness, either literally (referring to light) or figuratively (referring to intelligence, optimism, or other abstract qualities). Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "brighter than" is a common and grammatically correct comparative phrase used to indicate a higher degree of light, intelligence, or optimism. As Ludwig AI affirms, its usage spans across various contexts, predominantly in news, media, and scientific publications. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in the comparison and avoid misuse in non-comparative contexts. While "brighter than" enjoys broad applicability, consider alternatives like "more luminous than" or "more promising than" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more luminous than

Emphasizes the light emission aspect of the comparison.

more radiant than

Focuses on the glowing or beaming quality of the subject.

sharper than

Shifts the comparison to intelligence or wit.

more intelligent than

Directly compares intellectual capacity.

more promising than

Focuses on the potential or outlook of a situation.

more optimistic than

Highlights a positive or hopeful outlook.

superior to

Indicates a higher quality or rank.

exceeding

Implies surpassing a certain level or expectation.

outshining

Suggests surpassing in splendor or achievement.

surpassing

Highlights the act of going beyond a limit.

FAQs

How can I use "brighter than" in a sentence?

Use "brighter than" to compare the intensity of light, intelligence, or prospects between two subjects. For instance, "His future is "brighter than" ever before."

What are some alternatives to saying "brighter than"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "more luminous than", "more radiant than", or "more promising than" to convey a similar meaning. The phrase "more promising than" focuses on future potential.

Is it correct to say "brightest than" instead of "brighter than"?

No, "brightest than" is grammatically incorrect. "Brighter than" is used for comparing two things, while "brightest" is the superlative form used to describe the most bright among many.

When is it appropriate to use "brighter than" literally, and when figuratively?

"Brighter than" can be used literally to compare physical light, such as "The LED is "brighter than" the incandescent bulb". Figuratively, it can describe intelligence or prospects, like "Her future is "brighter than" she ever imagined".