duller than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "duller than" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to compare the level of dullness of one thing to another. Example: "This lecture is duller than watching paint dry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Female rosellas are duller than males.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Few things are duller than bad Chekhov.

The Economist

Few phrases are duller than "corporate restructuring".

The New Yorker

It's duller than crown-green bowling.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But counting blessings is duller than imagining cataclysm.

The New York Times

BANKING DOESN'T GET much duller than in Japan.

The Economist

Truth, on this occasion, is duller than fiction.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sport is never duller than when it is purely logical.

The New York Times

It turns out to be duller than that.

The Guardian - Money

Instead, it lurches along, making Ms. Bell and Mr. Duhamel look duller than they need to.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Spielberg's wizardry is gone, and his balletic light touch as well, and that gives too much of this 90-minute movie over to the duller-than-dull characters".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "duller than", ensure that the comparison is clear and logical. The items being compared should be similar enough to allow for a meaningful assessment of their relative dullness.

Common error

Avoid embedding "duller than" within overly complex or convoluted sentence structures. This can make the comparison confusing and diminish the impact of your writing. Clarity is key; keep the sentence structure straightforward.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "duller than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to describe something that has less vibrancy, excitement, or interest when directly compared to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, supported by numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "duller than" is a common and grammatically sound comparative phrase used to indicate a relative lack of excitement or interest. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely employed across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's essential to ensure clarity in comparisons and consider more formal alternatives like "less captivating than" in academic or professional settings. Common errors include using it in overly complex sentences, which can dilute its impact. Remember to choose synonyms like "more boring than" or "less interesting than" based on the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less exciting than

Focuses on the lack of excitement rather than the intensity of dullness.

more boring than

Replaces "duller" with "more boring", emphasizing a lack of interest.

not as interesting as

Shifts the focus to a lack of interest instead of direct comparison of dullness.

paler in comparison to

Emphasizes a weaker or less vibrant presence, especially in visual contexts.

less vibrant than

Highlights a lack of vibrancy or energy compared to something else.

more monotonous than

Stresses the repetitive and unvaried nature, implying a lack of stimulation.

more tedious than

Focuses on the wearisome and protracted nature of something, making it feel dull.

not nearly as captivating as

Emphasizes a significant difference in captivation or allure.

lacking the appeal of

Highlights a deficiency in attractiveness or charm.

a shadow of

Metaphorically describes something as a weaker or less substantial version.

FAQs

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

Use "duller than" to compare the relative lack of excitement or interest between two subjects. For example: "This meeting is "more boring than" watching paint dry."

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

Alternatives include "less exciting than", "more monotonous than", or "not as interesting as", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a subtle difference between "duller than" and "more boring than"?

While similar, "duller than" might imply a lack of vibrancy or energy, whereas "more boring than" typically suggests a lack of interest or engagement. The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "duller than" in formal writing?

While "duller than" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "less captivating than" or "lacking the appeal of" in highly formal or academic contexts.