denser than a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "denser than a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to compare the density of one thing to another, often in a figurative or humorous way. Example: "His explanation was denser than a black hole, making it hard for anyone to understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Gumbo is much denser than a simple soup; the broth has a thick, almost viscous consistency.

The New York Times - Food

"The texture is denser than a traditional cake, as it does not have the traditional leavening," chef Matt Hagan says.

The Washington Post

"It is west London to the power of three: Paul Simonon and Mick Jones on a Gorillaz track recorded near Ladbroke Grove is denser than a dying sun.

The Guardian - Music

(Why have I put my own hand up?) The overall result was a block of bread denser than a Beckett novel, and harder to get into.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So, there you are, having worked your way through a crowd denser than a Brexit negotiation, standing in front of your prize.

The Guardian - Opinion

A Valrhona chocolate torte, dotted with candied hazelnuts and fresh raspberries, was pungent with bittersweet chocolate and denser than a flourless cake.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

It is seen that this digital cellular design may be up to 22 times denser than an equivalent projected 16 nm CMOS version for image-processing applications.

Nano Communication Networks

Denser than an atomic nucleus, a neutron star is one of the most extreme objects the Universe has to offer, and neutron star-neutron star collisions give rise to the majority of the heaviest elements in the Universe today.

Forbes

The receptors there are a hundred times denser than in a human, and can detect a wide array of molecules.

The New Yorker

Gaseous substances beyond a specific temperature and pressure (the critical point) become a supercritical fluid, a state that is more dense than a gas but less dense than a liquid.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Anything less dense than a galaxy is not supposed to possess enough gravity to compress gas and form a stellar nursery.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "denser than a" to clearly compare the density of two distinct items, ensuring the comparison is logical and meaningful within the context.

Common error

Avoid using "denser than a" in overly abstract or figurative contexts where the concept of density doesn't logically apply, as this can lead to confusing or nonsensical statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "denser than a" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to describe something as having a higher density compared to something else, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples featuring comparisons of gumbo to soup and chocolate torte to flourless cake.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Academia

12%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "denser than a" is a comparative adjective phrase used to indicate that one item possesses a higher density than another. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and applicability across diverse contexts, from culinary descriptions to scientific comparisons. While its register leans towards neutral and formal settings, its usage remains relatively uncommon. When employing this phrase, ensure the comparison is logical and meaningful to prevent misinterpretation. Related phrases such as "more dense than a" and "heavier than a" offer context-dependent alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more dense than a

Replaces "denser" with "more dense", maintaining the comparative structure but using a slightly different wording.

of higher density than a

Emphasizes the scientific aspect of density, making the phrase more formal and technical.

with a greater density than a

Similar to "of higher density than a", but focuses on possessing a greater density value.

more compact than a

Focuses on compactness as a measure of density, suitable for physical objects or arrangements.

with a higher specific gravity than a

Employs the technical term "specific gravity", suitable for scientific contexts.

less rarefied than a

Offers the opposite perspective, comparing the lack of rarefaction instead of the presence of density.

heavier than a

Uses "heavier" as a proxy for density, appropriate when comparing objects of similar size.

of increased concentration compared to a

Emphasizes concentration, useful for comparing solutions or mixtures.

more tightly packed than a

Describes the arrangement of components within something, suggesting density through packing.

more substantial than a

Shifts from a strictly scientific comparison to one of perceived substance or weight.

FAQs

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

Use "denser than a" to compare the density of two things. For example: "Gumbo is "denser than a simple soup"."

What's a good alternative to "denser than a"?

Alternatives depend on the context. Consider "more dense than a" for scientific contexts, or "heavier than a" if you're approximating density with weight.

Is it always correct to use "denser than a" when comparing heaviness?

While "denser than a" often implies heaviness, it's most accurate when comparing items of similar size. If size varies greatly, consider using "heavier than a" instead.

When is it inappropriate to use "denser than a"?

Avoid using "denser than a" when comparing abstract concepts or qualities where physical density doesn't apply. Using it in such contexts can be confusing or nonsensical.