is thicker than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is thicker than" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of comparing the strength of relationships or bonds, often implying that familial or close ties are stronger than other types of relationships. Example: "Blood is thicker than water, meaning that family relationships are more important than other relationships."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And blood is thicker than school ties.

The New York Times

But the paycheck is thicker than blood".

The New York Times

The plot is thicker than that.

The New York Times

Blood is thicker than anything.

The New York Times - Sports

Blood is thicker than water.

The New York Times

Bile is thicker than blood.

The New York Times - Books

Gasoline is thicker than blood.

The New York Times

His skin is thicker than it was.

The Guardian

Blood is thicker than big bucks.

The Guardian - Books

His neck is thicker than his head.

The Guardian

But blood is thicker than any enemy.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is thicker than" in abstract contexts, ensure the comparison remains logical. For example, "The plot is thicker than usual" is acceptable, but avoid comparisons that don't make sense.

Common error

Avoid using "is thicker than" in situations where the comparison isn't about physical thickness or a directly analogous quality. For example, don't say "His argument is thicker than hers" when you mean "more complex" or "more convincing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is thicker than" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It compares the relative thickness of two nouns. Ludwig indicates its common usage in comparing both physical dimensions and abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

23%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is thicker than" is a common and grammatically sound comparative phrase used to describe relative thickness or intensity. It's versatile, appearing in varied sources like news, scientific articles, and encyclopedias, as shown by Ludwig. While generally neutral in tone, it's crucial to use it in relevant contexts to ensure clarity. Ludwig AI confirms the expression is correct. Always ensure your comparisons are logical, and consider alternative phrases like "is denser than" or "is more substantial than" depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is denser than

Focuses on density rather than thickness.

is more substantial than

Emphasizes the weight or importance of something.

is heavier than

Relates to weight instead of physical thickness.

is more intense than

Focuses on the degree of intensity rather than physical dimension.

is more concentrated than

Highlights the level of concentration or focus.

is bulkier than

Relates specifically to large size and mass.

is wider than

Focuses on width rather than thickness or depth.

is deeper than

Refers to depth instead of thickness.

is more significant than

Highlights importance, not physical dimension.

is more pronounced than

Emphasizes how noticeable something is, rather than its physical properties.

FAQs

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

You can use "is thicker than" to compare the physical dimensions or abstract qualities of two subjects. For example, "The book is thicker than I expected" or "The tension "is thicker than" usual".

What are some alternatives to "is thicker than"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "is denser than", "is more substantial than", or "is heavier than" to express similar comparisons.

When is it appropriate to use "is thicker than" figuratively?

It's appropriate when you're comparing the complexity or intensity of something abstract. For instance, "The plot "is thicker than" that" implies the situation is more complicated than it appears.

How does using "is thicker than" compare to saying "is wider than" or "is deeper than"?

"Is thicker than" specifically refers to the dimension of thickness, whereas "is wider than" refers to width and "is deeper than" refers to depth. The choice depends on which dimension you are comparing. For example, "The board "is thicker than" the other" focuses on its depth, while "The table "is wider than" the desk" focuses on its breadth.