less dense than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less dense than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the density of two substances or materials, indicating that one has a lower density than the other. Example: "The new material is less dense than traditional steel, making it ideal for lightweight applications."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Surface water is less dense than deeper water.

Encyclopedia Britannica

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

The New York Times

Beyond that, the approach produces a universe that is far less dense than the real one.

The New York Times - Science

All hydrocarbons are insoluble in water and, being less dense than water, float on its surface.

Encyclopedia Britannica

China's megacities are less dense than equivalents elsewhere in the world (see chart).

The Economist

The aluminum spinels are harder, more transparent, and less dense than the others.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Fresh water is less dense than salt water and floats on top.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The eggs float because their interior is less dense than the surrounding sea.

The Economist

Aluminum-lithium alloys are stiffer and less dense than conventional aluminum alloys.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That water ice may be hard as rock, but it's still less dense than frozen nitrogen.

Independent

Because magma is less dense than the surrounding solid rocks, it rises toward the surface.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing densities, ensure both subjects being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "the density of substance A is less dense than substance B".

Common error

Avoid using "less dense than" when referring to weight or mass directly. Density is mass per unit volume, so ensure your comparison aligns with this definition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less dense than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. Ludwig AI indicates it is used to compare the density of two or more subjects. Examples in Ludwig show its use in scientific and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less dense than" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative adjective phrase for indicating a lower density relative to something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and applicable across various contexts, particularly in science, news, and encyclopedic content. While "not as dense as" and "lower in density than" serve as close alternatives, it's crucial to use density comparisons accurately, avoiding confusion with weight or mass. The term appears in both formal writing and general discourse, making it a versatile and essential component of English vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lower in density than

Replaces "less dense" with its direct equivalent using "lower in density".

not as dense as

Uses a different structure to express the same comparison of density.

having a smaller density than

A longer, more descriptive way to express the same concept.

of a lower density compared to

Offers a more formal way to state the density comparison.

not so dense as

A slightly more archaic but still valid alternative.

less compact than

Focuses on the compactness of the material as opposed to its density.

rarer than

Implies lower density through the concept of rarity or sparseness.

more rarefied than

Used to describe gases or atmospheres with lower density.

more diffuse than

Suggests a wider spread of material, implying a lower density.

lighter than

While technically referring to weight, it is often used synonymously with density in informal contexts.

FAQs

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

Use "less dense than" to compare the densities of two substances. For example, "Helium is "lighter than" air, therefore it's less dense than air".

What is a good alternative to saying "less dense than"?

You can use phrases like "not as dense as" or "lower in density than" as alternatives to "less dense than".

Is it correct to say "not as dense than"?

No, the correct phrasing is "not as dense as". The word "as" should be included for the comparison to be grammatically sound.

What's the difference between "less dense than" and "lighter than"?

"Less dense than" refers specifically to the mass per unit volume of a substance. "Lighter than" is a more general term that can refer to weight, but in many contexts, they are used interchangeably. Density is a more precise scientific term.