less delicate than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less delicate than" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing the delicacy of two or more items, indicating that one is not as fragile or sensitive as the other. Example: "This fabric is less delicate than the silk we used last season, making it more suitable for everyday wear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Yet it entails risks and trade-offs no less delicate than in farther-flung wars.

The Economist

"I think his buildings are lot more robust and a lot less delicate" than Mr. Bawa's, Mr. Robson said.

The New York Times

The qubits in a superconducting circuit are also easier to manipulate and less delicate than individual photons or ions.

MIT Technology Review

"Probably in Austria it was more visible, it was done in a manner that was less delicate than it had been done in the past".

The New York Times - Sports

Fino sherries may be ever-so-slightly less delicate than the manzanillas, with less of a salty tang, but perhaps a bit more complexity.

The New York Times - Food

A very pretty game with a new emphasis on close-quarters dogfighting, Assault Horizon is a little more intense and somewhat less delicate than its predecessors.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Repatriation of the dead would be less delicate politically than the longstanding South Korean desire to bring home hundreds of South Korean prisoners of war believed to be still alive in the North, as well as hundreds of South Korean fishermen that were said to be kidnapped by the North after the war.

The New York Times

And perhaps less delicate, less velvety than many Burgundies.

The New York Times - Food

The puris, while less delicate and explosively flavoured than those at the peerless Kastoori in Tooting, were still voluptuously pleasurable.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Similar to true cinnamon, cassia bark has a more pungent, less delicate flavour and is thicker than cinnamon bark.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If you'd like to use spinach, add a few extra cups, as it will break down more than its less delicate cousins.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the resilience of two materials or processes, use "less delicate than" to clearly indicate which is more robust without necessarily implying crudeness.

Common error

While grammatically correct, consistently using "less delicate than" in highly formal or scientific writing can sound less precise. Consider using synonyms such as "more robust" or "more resilient" for enhanced clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less delicate than" functions as a comparative, specifically indicating that one item or concept possesses a lower degree of delicacy compared to another. This is used to establish a relative measure of robustness or sensitivity. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

7%

Social Media

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less delicate than" is a grammatically correct and usable comparative phrase that indicates a lower degree of delicacy or increased robustness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid expression in English. While not as common as other comparative structures, it effectively differentiates items based on their fragility or sensitivity, serving to inform about relative strength or resilience. Predominantly found in neutral registers such as news and media or science, its versatility also allows for use in other contexts. When choosing alternatives, consider "more robust than" or "not as fragile as" for increased clarity. It is important to consider context and the level of formality required for the specific writing task.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less fragile than

Mirrors the structure of "less delicate than", but centers specifically on fragility.

not as sensitive as

Directly addresses sensitivity, closely aligning with the meaning of "less delicate than".

not as fragile as

Focuses on the lack of fragility, mirroring the meaning of "less delicate than" but with a different emphasis.

not as easily damaged as

Specifically addresses resistance to damage, providing a detailed version of "less delicate than".

more robust than

Indicates a higher level of strength or resilience compared to "less delicate than".

more resilient than

Emphasizes the ability to recover or withstand difficult conditions, where "less delicate than" implies more susceptibility.

more durable than

Points to a greater ability to last or withstand wear, similar to being "less delicate than".

stronger than

Highlights the superior strength, offering a more direct comparison.

tougher than

Suggests a higher degree of durability, contrasting with the implication of refinement in "less delicate than".

more hard-wearing than

Implies a greater ability to withstand frequent use, relating to the robustness suggested by "less delicate than".

FAQs

How do I use "less delicate than" in a sentence?

Use "less delicate than" to compare two things, indicating that one is sturdier or more robust than the other. For example: "This fabric is "less delicate than" silk, making it suitable for everyday use."

What's a good substitute for "less delicate than"?

Alternatives include "more robust than", "stronger than", or "not as fragile as", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "less delicate than" or "more durable than"?

It depends on the context. "Less delicate than" emphasizes a reduced sensitivity or refinement, while "more durable than" highlights a stronger ability to withstand wear and tear. Choose the phrase that best fits the specific comparison you're making.

Which is correct, "less delicate than" or "not as delicate as"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. "Less delicate than" is more concise, while "not as delicate as" might be preferred in some contexts for emphasis or clarity.