less heavy

USAGE SUMMARY

"less heavy" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the intensity or magnitude of something. For example, "The work load this semester is much less heavy than last semester."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But Saludes said there was less heavy rain than expected.

The Guardian

But it's brighter there now, less heavy, lighter".

The New Yorker

The DCLR is found hydro-treatable, resulting in more light products and less heavy products.

Catalysis Today

No pesticide residues and less heavy metals were found in the organic products.

Acta Ecologica Sinica

"And the braces themselves are much less heavy tackle than they used to be.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The rain grew a little less heavy and they were back on like a shot.

The Guardian - Sport

So now that I guess those things are happening again, it just feels less heavy".

The Guardian - Music

It must make the labor market more flexible, make the state less heavy and increase competitiveness.

The New York Times

Here the less heavy beam affords a lateral restraint that results in the increase of the critical force.

Journal of Constructional Steel Research

Then he took a ball, one that was about to feel far less heavy than it did only months ago.

The New York Times - Sports

As spring arrives, our palates change naturally and we tend to crave something a little less heavy.

The Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts like emotions or responsibilities, consider alternatives like "less burdensome" or "more manageable" to add nuance.

Common error

While "less heavy" is generally acceptable, formal contexts may benefit from more precise alternatives. Instead of saying "the state is less heavy", try "the state has fewer regulations" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less heavy" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying nouns to indicate a lower degree of weight or intensity. Ludwig examples show its use in describing physical objects, emotions, and responsibilities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less heavy" serves as a versatile comparative adjective phrase, suitable for describing reductions in both physical weight and abstract burdens. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and Ludwig's examples demonstrate its prevalence across various contexts, from news and media to scientific literature. While alternatives like "lighter" or "more manageable" may be more precise in certain situations, "less heavy" remains a widely accepted and understood expression for conveying a decrease in intensity or weight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lighter

Focuses on the physical characteristic of reduced weight.

less weighty

Similar to "less heavy" but can apply to abstract concepts like importance or pressure.

not as burdensome

Emphasizes a reduction in the feeling of being burdened or oppressed.

more manageable

Indicates something is easier to handle or control.

easier to bear

Focuses on emotional or psychological burden.

less intense

Describes a reduction in strength or degree.

not as severe

Indicates a reduction in seriousness or harshness.

more relaxed

Suggests a reduction in tension or pressure.

not as dense

Implies a reduction in compactness or concentration.

more tenuous

Suggests a reduction in firmness or strength.

FAQs

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

You can use "less heavy" to describe a decrease in physical weight (e.g., "This box is less heavy than the other one") or in abstract burdens (e.g., "The responsibility feels less heavy now").

What are some alternatives to "less heavy"?

Alternatives include "lighter", "less weighty", "not as burdensome", and "more manageable", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "less heavy" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider more precise alternatives in formal writing to enhance clarity. For instance, use "fewer regulations" instead of saying "the state is less heavy" in such contexts.

What's the difference between "less heavy" and "lighter"?

"Lighter" primarily refers to physical weight, while "less heavy" can apply to both physical and abstract burdens. For example, you can say a backpack is "lighter" or that a burden feels "less heavy".