less dense

USAGE SUMMARY

"less dense" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that has less material mass or concentration per unit of volume than something else. For example, "The air at the top of the mountain was much less dense than the air at the bottom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Or less dense?

The New York Times

The rest was less dense.

The New Yorker

The air is actually less dense".

The New York Times - Sports

It all feels less dense, more aerated.

The New York Times - Arts

The less dense, warmer regions into the universe's great voids.

The Guardian

Surface water is less dense than deeper water.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Look for the opening, the mottling of sunlight that means that the forestation is less dense.

The New Yorker

It is less dense than air at a given temperature and pressure.

The New York Times

If you abide by these suggestions, your prose will be cleaner, more readable and less dense.

The New York Times

By rapidly cooling the exterior of a sheet (usually with air), the surface stays less dense.

The New York Times - Science

Helicopters also fly less efficiently in hot air, which is less dense that cooler air.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the density of two substances, ensure you clearly state what is being compared to what. For example, "Air is "less dense" than water."

Common error

Avoid using "less dense" interchangeably with "lighter" without considering volume. An object can be "less dense" but still weigh more if it occupies a larger volume.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less dense" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating that it has a lower mass per unit volume than another entity. Ludwig examples show its use in both scientific and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less dense" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to compare the density of different substances or objects. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility allows for application across diverse contexts, ranging from scientific discourse to everyday explanations. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what you are comparing and avoid conflating density with weight. Consider alternatives like "more sparse" or "less concentrated" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. The phrase is particularly prevalent in "Science", "News & Media", and "Encyclopedias".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lower in density

Rephrases "less dense" using a different preposition.

not as compact

Focuses on the lack of compactness rather than density.

more sparse

Emphasizes the scattered nature of the subject rather than its density.

less concentrated

Highlights the diluted nature of the subject.

not as thick

Emphasizes a lack of thickness instead of density.

not as tightly packed

Emphasizes the arrangement of components instead of density itself.

more rarefied

Focuses on the purity and thinness of a gas or substance.

lighter in weight

Highlights a difference in weight, directly related to density.

more diffuse

Highlights the spreading out of something instead of its density.

less heavy

Focuses on the perceived weight instead of the actual density.

FAQs

How can I use "less dense" in a sentence?

You can use "less dense" to compare the density of two or more things. For example, "Hot air is "less dense" than cold air, which is why it rises."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "less dense"?

Depending on the context, you might use phrases like "more sparse", "less concentrated", or "lighter in weight" as alternatives to "less dense".

Is it correct to say "lower density" instead of "less dense"?

Yes, "lower density" and "less dense" are often interchangeable. However, "less dense" is generally used when comparing two things, while "lower density" can describe a single object's property.

What's the difference between "less dense" and "less compact"?

"Less dense" refers specifically to the mass per unit volume. "Less compact" refers to how tightly packed the components of something are. While related, they aren't always interchangeable. Something could be "less compact" without necessarily being "less dense" if its components are heavier.