it is lighter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is lighter" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing the weight of two or more objects or substances, indicating that one is less heavy than the other. Example: "This new model of the backpack is great because it is lighter than the previous version, making it easier to carry on long hikes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And because it has its own integral binding mounts, it is lighter than a prosthesis-and-ski-boot combination.

The New York Times

JSON has been selected instead of other formats, such as XML (eXtensible Markup Language) [57], due to its simplicity for encoding/decoding and because it is lighter in weight than XML.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

It is lighter, faster and even more dynamically capable than its predecessor.

Forbes

Thus, it is lighter than most conventional sound absorption materials.

Construction and Building Materials

It is lighter and more economical than the conventional method.

Composite Structures

It is lighter and more compact than traditional systems and uses new imaging physics.

Columbia University

But it is lighter, weighing 1.5 pounds, and has a 9.7-inch screen.

The New York Times

Sometimes the colour is a dark red, sometimes it is lighter.

The Guardian

Ruscha's art carries most weight when it is lighter in touch, often when he is working on paper.

The Guardian

At the Softex refugee camp in northern Greece, it is lighter by night than it is by day.

The Guardian

Although it is lighter in tone than his other work, it is, he said, still another "life crisis play".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two items, specify both to highlight the difference in weight. For example, "This suitcase is great because "it is lighter" than my old one, making travel easier."

Common error

Avoid using "it is lighter" without specifying what "it" is being compared to. Without context, the statement is incomplete and lacks meaning. Always provide a reference point for the comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is lighter" primarily functions as a comparative statement. It indicates that a subject possesses less weight than another object or a previous version of itself. Ludwig examples show it describing physical objects like skis, laptops, and construction materials.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is lighter" is a common and grammatically correct way to compare the weight of objects, indicating that one weighs less than another. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is used across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. To ensure clarity, always specify what "it" is being compared to. Keep in mind it's better to say what object is being lighter, and the comparison of the weight. This makes the statement more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it weighs less

Directly states the object has a lower weight.

it is less heavy

Uses 'less heavy' as a direct synonym for lighter.

it has a lower mass

Uses 'mass' to refer to weight, common in scientific contexts.

it is more lightweight

Uses the adjective 'lightweight' to describe the object.

it carries more easily

Focuses on the practical benefit of being lighter, ease of carrying.

it doesn't weigh much

An informal way of saying it has a low weight.

it is of reduced weight

More formal phrasing indicating weight reduction.

its heft is less

Uses 'heft' to describe weight in a more descriptive manner.

it feels less burdensome

Focuses on the subjective experience of reduced weight.

it is easier to lift

Highlights the ease of lifting as a result of being lighter.

FAQs

How can I use "it is lighter" in a sentence?

Use "it is lighter" when comparing the weight of two or more objects, indicating one is less heavy. For example, "The new laptop is fantastic because "it is lighter" than my previous one."

What's a more formal alternative to "it is lighter"?

A more formal alternative is "it has a lower mass", especially in scientific or technical contexts. Or you may try "it is less heavy".

Is it always necessary to specify what something is lighter than when using "it is lighter"?

Yes, for clarity, it's best to specify the item being compared. Saying "it weighs less" without context leaves the comparison ambiguous. Always provide a reference for the weight difference.

What can I say instead of "it is lighter" in casual conversation?

In casual conversation, you can use phrases like "it doesn't weigh much" or "it is more lightweight" to convey the same meaning.