is duller than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is duller than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when making a comparison between two things, indicating that one is less interesting or exciting than the other. Example: "This book is duller than the last one I read."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

But counting blessings is duller than imagining cataclysm.

The New York Times

Truth, on this occasion, is duller than fiction.

The Guardian - Opinion

Post-Koch New York is duller than it used to be, which is probably both a disappointment and a relief.

The New York Times

Dali is duller than Lijiang, but as I stroll around its streets, the sound of strange music draws me down a narrow lane.

The Economist

A friend actually sent me a message the other day with an article from a newspaper which said Andy Murray is duller than a weekend in Worthing, which I thought was a bit harsh – on Worthing.

Independent

We're slightly disappointed, then (although not entirely surprised), to report that Gary Go's music is duller than watching paint dry in Snow Patrol's spare room while a bunch of balding session musicians take a mid-afternoon nap next door.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"Is there a future for a clergyman whose wits are duller than those of his parishioners?" he asks about Henry, William's devout brother, whose interest in prostitution is no doubt part of his desire to stamp out sin.

The New York Times - Books

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is duller than", ensure that the comparison is clear and easily understood by the reader. Provide specific details to illustrate why one subject is less engaging than the other. For example: "This explanation is duller than the previous one because it lacks practical examples."

Common error

Avoid using "is duller than" without providing context or specifics. For example, saying "This movie is duller than others" is less effective than stating "This movie is duller than the director's previous works due to its slow pacing and lack of character development".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is duller than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase used to indicate that one thing is less interesting or stimulating than another. Ludwig AI confirms this usage pattern. It serves to draw a comparison and express a subjective assessment of relative interest.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Huffington Post

5%

The New York Times

3%

The Economist

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is duller than" is a grammatically sound comparative expression used to convey that one subject is less interesting or stimulating compared to another. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is correct and usable in various contexts, with a neutral register and most frequent occurrence in news and media. While effective, writers should ensure clear context and specific details when making such comparisons. Alternatives like "is less exciting than" or "is more boring than" can provide nuanced options depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is less exciting than

Focuses on the lack of excitement rather than dullness.

is more boring than

Emphasizes the quality of being boring as opposed to dull.

is less interesting than

Highlights a lack of interest compared to another subject.

lacks the appeal of

Focuses on the absence of appeal instead of direct dullness.

doesn't captivate as much as

Highlights reduced captivation levels as a comparative attribute.

is not as stimulating as

Indicates a lower level of stimulation in comparison.

is a pale imitation of

Emphasizes a lack of vibrancy and interest relative to something else.

fails to engage like

Focuses on the failure to maintain interest and engagement.

is a poorer substitute for

Highlights the inferior quality in terms of interest.

is a snooze fest compared to

Uses a more informal, expressive term for boredom and compares two concepts.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "is duller than"?

You can use alternatives like "is less exciting than", "is more boring than", or "is less interesting than" depending on the context.

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

The phrase "is duller than" is used to compare two things, indicating that one is less interesting or exciting than the other. For instance, "The sequel is duller than the original movie."

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

While grammatically correct, "is duller than" might be perceived as informal in certain contexts. For formal writing, consider using alternatives like "is less stimulating than" or "lacks the appeal of".

What makes something "duller" compared to something else?

Dullness can stem from various factors, including lack of novelty, complexity, or emotional engagement. When using "is duller than", consider the specific attributes that contribute to the reduced interest.