is tighter than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is tighter than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the tightness of two things, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "The new dress is tighter than the one I wore last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And security is tighter than ever before.

Independent

The race is tighter than I would like.

The New York Times

The rental market in Washington is tighter than ever.

The New York Times

This revival is tighter than the last, with some improvement in pacing.

Independent

This will favour rural areas, where ZANU-PF's grip is tighter than in the towns.

The Economist

The interior is tighter than that of the other houses, but light and open.

The New Yorker

The siege is tighter than ever, and all our political efforts have come to nothing.

The Economist

But another explanation is that fiscal policy is tighter than it looks.

The Economist

"His grip on China is tighter than any leader's since Mao".

The New Yorker

It's O.K., because the lid on the arena is tighter than Tupperware.

The New York Times - Sports

"Yes, disposable income is tighter than ever, but why do we use disposable income?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is tighter than" to make direct comparisons about physical space, restrictions, or control. For example, "Security at the airport is tighter than it was last year."

Common error

Avoid using "is tighter than" in contexts where a different comparison is more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "His argument is tighter than hers", consider "His argument is more logical than hers."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is tighter than" functions primarily as a comparative. It serves to indicate that one thing possesses a greater degree of tightness, constraint, or restriction compared to another. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate this in various contexts, from physical spaces to abstract concepts such as budgets or schedules. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is tighter than" is a versatile comparative used to indicate a greater degree of constraint or restriction. Ludwig AI confirms that this construction is grammatically correct and widely used. As seen in the numerous examples provided by Ludwig, it appears frequently in both News & Media and Science contexts, demonstrating its applicability across various subjects. When writing, be mindful of the specific nuance you wish to convey, and ensure that "is tighter than" accurately reflects the intended comparison. Consider using synonyms like "is more constricted than" or "is more constrained than" to refine your meaning and add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is more constricted than

Emphasizes a physical or metaphorical reduction in size or freedom.

is more constrained than

Focuses on limitations or restrictions being more severe.

is more compact than

Highlights a smaller or more densely packed arrangement.

is more rigid than

Indicates a lack of flexibility or give.

is less forgiving than

Suggests a stricter or less lenient approach.

is more firm than

Emphasizes stability and lack of give.

is more secure than

Highlights increased protection or safety.

is more closely controlled than

Focuses on stricter management or oversight.

is more exacting than

Highlights stricter requirements or demands.

is less relaxed than

Suggests a more formal or tense atmosphere.

FAQs

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

You can use "is tighter than" to compare the relative tightness of two things, whether physical or metaphorical. For instance, "The deadline "is tighter than" we anticipated" or "This shirt "is tighter than" the one I bought last year".

What can I say instead of "is tighter than"?

You can use alternatives like "is more restricted than", "is more constrained than", or "is more compact than" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is tighter than" or "is more tight than"?

"Is tighter than" is the correct comparative form. "More tight" is grammatically incorrect because "tighter" is already the comparative form of "tight".

What's the difference between "is tighter than" and "is more strict than"?

"Is tighter than" often implies a physical constriction or stricter limitation, while "is more strict than" typically refers to rules, regulations, or discipline. For example, "Security "is tighter than" ever" versus "The rules "are more strict than" before".