it is more of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it is more of' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something in more detail or a certain quality that it has more of. For example: "This carpet has a lot of colors and textures, it is more of an eclectic design."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For better or worse, it is more of its time.

The New York Times

It is more of the same.

The New York Times

It is more of a model.

The New York Times

But it is more of the same.

The Economist

"It is more of a think tank.

The New York Times

It is more of a clarification.

The Guardian

It is more of a forum".

The Guardian

"It is more of a PR stunt.

The Guardian - Tech

It is more of a hurricane.

The New York Times - Arts

"It is more of a salad.

The New York Times

It is more of a double sketch.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is more of" to clarify or refine a description, indicating that something is better understood in a particular way. For example, instead of saying "This is a plan", consider "It is more of a strategy" to convey flexibility.

Common error

Be specific when using "it is more of". Avoid using it as a vague filler; ensure it adds meaningful clarification to the description. For example, instead of saying "It is more of a thing", specify what kind of thing it is.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is more of" functions as a qualifier or clarifier, suggesting a more accurate or nuanced description. It's used to refine initial characterizations, as Ludwig examples show.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Reference

2%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is more of" serves as a valuable tool for refining descriptions and providing nuanced understandings. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently employed across diverse contexts. It is especially prevalent in news and media, where precision and clarity are paramount. To enhance writing, use "it is more of" to offer sharper insights, and avoid vagueness. Related phrases include "it is better described as" and "it is essentially", offering similar ways to fine-tune descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's more accurately defined as

Focuses on improving the precision of the definition.

it is better described as

Focuses on the accuracy of a description.

it is essentially

Highlights the fundamental nature of something.

it is largely

Highlights the primary aspect of something.

it is primarily

Emphasizes the main characteristic.

it is fundamentally

Emphasizes the basic or essential nature.

it functions more like

Compares functionality rather than essence.

it resembles more closely

Highlights the similarity to something else.

it's akin to

Suggests a parallel or analogy.

it leans towards

Indicates a tendency or inclination.

FAQs

How can I use "it is more of" in a sentence?

Use "it is more of" to refine or clarify a description, indicating that something is better understood or characterized in a specific way. For example, "This isn't just a suggestion; "it is more of" a requirement".

What are some alternatives to "it is more of"?

You can use alternatives like "it is better described as", "it is essentially", or "it is primarily" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it is more of a" instead of "it is a"?

Yes, using ""it is more of" a" is correct when you want to refine or offer a more nuanced description than simply stating what something 'is'.

What's the difference between "it is more of" and "it is like"?

"It is more of" suggests a refinement or clarification of a definition, while "it is like" implies a comparison or analogy. For example, "It is more of a strategy" implies a refined type of plan, whereas "It is like a game" draws a comparison.