is less strong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is less strong" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the strength or intensity of two or more things, indicating that one is not as strong as the other. Example: "The new material is less strong than the original, which may affect its durability."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their sense of heritage and tradition is less strong.

Yale University

Many people came from other cities in Russia, where the protest movement is less strong.

The Guardian

Pale ale is less strong, less bitter, paler in colour, and clearer than porter.

Britannica

If neither case applies, the case for putting up more capital is less strong.

The Economist

Unfortunately she is less strong when she turns her gaze back at herself.

The Economist

On average, women's support for the use of force is less strong than men's, by about 10 points.

The New York Times

The real growth in romance is in a sector in which Harlequin is less strong, referred to as the single-title business.

The New York Times - Books

For the record, the "jelly of quail, langoustine cream, parfait of foie gras" was also in the frame – though the evidence against it is less strong.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In general, opposition to the Bush administration's war plans is less strong in Britain than elsewhere in Europe, where it is often virulent.

The New York Times

Sir John Vickers, who led the Independent Commission on Banking, said: "The Bank of England proposal is less strong than what the ICB recommended".

The Guardian - Business

Sandy clay is less strong than the purer kind, and rebuilding the levees here for St. Bernard Parish, east of New Orleans, requires very good dirt.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the strength of two different things, use "is less strong" to directly contrast their intensity or power. For example, "This new material is less strong than the previous one, making it unsuitable for heavy-duty applications."

Common error

Avoid using "is less strong" in overly passive constructions that obscure the subject performing the action. Instead of saying "The signal is less strong due to interference", specify what is causing the interference: "Interference makes the signal less strong."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is less strong" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, indicating a reduced level of strength, intensity, or force. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is employed to contrast the characteristics of two or more entities, highlighting the diminished quality of one relative to another.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

36%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is less strong" is a versatile comparative adjective phrase commonly used across various contexts to denote a diminished level of strength or intensity. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for formal, neutral, and informal communication, with frequent occurrences in scientific, news, and academic sources. While alternatives like "is weaker" exist, "is less strong" offers a subtle emphasis on measurable force. When employing the phrase, avoid overuse of passive voice to ensure clarity and directness in your writing. The tool Ludwig provides valuable context and examples for effective usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is weaker

Direct synonym, indicating a lower degree of strength.

is less intense

Highlights reduced intensity or degree.

is not as potent

Focuses on reduced effectiveness or power.

is reduced in strength

Expresses the reduction in intensity in an explicit manner.

is not as robust

Suggests a decrease in resilience or durability.

is diminished

Highlights a reduction in something previously strong.

is fainter

Emphasizes a reduction in intensity or clarity.

is more fragile

Indicates increased vulnerability to breakage or damage; conveys reduced strength in a different way.

is undermined

Highlights a loss of support or effectiveness; implies a weakening effect.

lacks the same fortitude

Emphasizes a deficiency in courage and strength.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "is less strong"?

You can use alternatives like "is weaker", "is not as potent", or "is less intense" depending on the specific context.

How do I use "is less strong" in a sentence?

Use "is less strong" to compare the relative strength or intensity of two or more things. For example, "The coffee today is less strong than yesterday's brew."

Is there a difference between "is less strong" and "is weaker"?

While "is less strong" and "is weaker" are often interchangeable, "is less strong" might subtly emphasize a measurable force or intensity, whereas "weaker" can be more general. However, the difference is negligible in most contexts.

When is it better to use "is less strong" instead of "is not as strong"?

Both "is less strong" and "is not as strong" are grammatically correct and generally interchangeable. "Is less strong" might be preferred in formal writing or when seeking a slightly more concise expression.