has less ballast

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has less ballast" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing weight, stability, or metaphorically to indicate something that is less burdened or encumbered. Example: "The new design has less ballast, allowing for greater speed and maneuverability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Mr. Ronson's latest book has less ballast.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

With less ballast to distribute optimally around the car, a heavier driver is already at a competitive disadvantage.

The Economist

Just as woolens give way to cottons and linens, so do heavier wines, beers and spirits yield to beverages with less ballast.

The New York Times - Food

At least he has the ballast of a couple of wickets in the bag.

The Guardian - Sport

The circuit has several "ballast" resistors that limit the discharge's current so that the flashlight is safe to touch.

Science Magazine

G.E. also has far less debt than most banks, giving it more financial ballast and flexibility in difficult times.

The New York Times

Sporting the Groucho disguise on its label, the bottle has more intellectual ballast than appearances suggest.

The New York Times - Style

Although Mr. Tropper's dialogue here is fast and fresh, his book also has ballast.

The New York Times - Books

Dr. Leeb has modified the ballast to modulate the number of times per second that the light flickers.

The New York Times - Tech

Explosive is comparatively light; the more explosive the AUP contains, the more likely it is to have DU ballast.

The Guardian

The former had a ballast track, while the latter had open decks with wooden sleepers.

Journal of Modern Transportation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing design improvements, use "has less ballast" to highlight increased efficiency or maneuverability.

Common error

Avoid using "has less ballast" when referring to abstract concepts like emotional support; it's more suited for tangible reductions in weight or burden.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has less ballast" primarily functions as a descriptive phrase. It indicates a reduction in weight or burden, often implying improved efficiency or maneuverability, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has less ballast" is a grammatically correct descriptive phrase used to indicate a reduction in weight or burden. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most appropriate for technical or descriptive contexts where efficiency or maneuverability is being highlighted. While relatively rare in general usage, it effectively communicates that something is now lighter or less encumbered, as seen in news and scientific publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is lighter

Directly indicates a reduction in weight, focusing on the physical aspect.

is less burdened

Emphasizes a reduction in metaphorical weight or encumbrance.

is less encumbered

Similar to 'less burdened' but suggests a freedom from obstacles or hindrances.

is more streamlined

Implies a more efficient design or process with unnecessary elements removed.

has a reduced load

Highlights the decrease in the amount being carried or supported.

has diminished weight

Formally indicates a decrease in physical or metaphorical weight.

is more agile

Focuses on increased maneuverability and responsiveness due to reduced weight.

is less cumbersome

Highlights the ease of handling or managing something due to reduced bulk or complexity.

is easier to manage

Suggests simplification and reduced difficulty in controlling or operating.

is more efficient

Indicates an improvement in productivity and reduced waste, often due to streamlined design.

FAQs

How can I use "has less ballast" in a sentence?

You can use "has less ballast" to describe something that is lighter or less burdened, for example, "The new model "has less ballast", improving its fuel efficiency".

What's a good alternative to "has less ballast"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is lighter", "is less burdened", or "is more streamlined", depending on the specific context.

Is "has less ballast" formal or informal?

"Has less ballast" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's more common in technical or descriptive writing.

When should I use "has less ballast" instead of "is lighter"?

Use "has less ballast" when you want to emphasize the reduction of something that provides stability or weight, whereas "is lighter" simply refers to a reduction in weight.