less heavy than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less heavy than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the weight of two objects or substances, indicating that one is lighter than the other. Example: "This feather is less heavy than that rock."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

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

"Food from the south is better with more noodles, and much less heavy than northern food," said a waiter at another Vietnamese restaurant, Pho Sydney.

The New York Times - Food

Hydroponic farms are ideal for rooftops, according to Bright Farms, because they have such high yields and are less heavy than soil-based operations.

The New York Times

He has reviewed research suggesting that there are viral prompts for childhood obesity and research suggesting that children fond of fruits and vegetables aren't any less heavy than those mad for Mountain Dew.

The New York Times

Aim Deuelle Luski, 50, a photographer and curator, said he was very happy to include artists born after the occupation began, who are "less heavy than we are, more playful and more cynical".

The New York Times

For Castor and Pollux, we are using baroque flutes (their sound is so different to the modern instrument and key to the opera) and the strings play with baroque bows – shorter and less heavy than the modern bow, they encourage a lighter yet equally robust style of playing.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

But Saludes said there was less heavy rain than expected.

The Guardian

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

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For the most part, Mawer is in complete control of his material and the book is much less heavy going than it sounds.

The Guardian - Books

In this study, analysis of biochar from argan shells indicated that it contains more major nutrients and less heavy metals than the sandy soil and peat.

International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture

Of the thousands of exoplanets discovered by NASA's Kepler mission, many are around stars with less heavy elements than the sun.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the weight of two items, ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being compared to avoid ambiguity. For example, "This model is "less heavy than" the previous version, making it easier to handle."

Common error

Avoid using "less heavy than" when you actually mean "less serious", "less intense", or other non-weight related comparisons. Weight should be literal, not figurative. For example, instead of "The atmosphere was "less heavy than" usual", try "The atmosphere was more relaxed than usual".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less heavy than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to qualify a noun by comparing its weight to that of another noun. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates that one item weighs less than another.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

24%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less heavy than" is a grammatically sound and commonly used comparative phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it serves to compare the weight of two items, indicating that one weighs less than the other. While alternatives like "lighter than" exist, "less heavy than" is useful when emphasizing the reduction in weight or making a more nuanced comparison. Usage is frequent in news, scientific, and wiki contexts. Remember to use it in literal weight comparisons, avoiding metaphorical applications for maximum clarity. While the phrase is correct, it's important to consider the context and if "lighter than" expresses your idea accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lighter than

Emphasizes a straightforward comparison of weight, focusing on the characteristic of being light.

not as heavy as

Provides a direct negation of heaviness, indicating a comparative lack of weight.

of a lower weight than

Uses more formal language to describe the difference in weight.

weighing less than

Focuses on the action of weighing and indicates a smaller result.

more lightweight than

Highlights the quality of being lightweight in the comparison.

not so burdensome as

Shifts the comparison to the concept of burden or oppressiveness, rather than pure weight.

easier to lift than

Focuses on the action of lifting and the relative ease thereof.

more ethereal than

Implies a greater sense of lightness and insubstantiality.

less dense than

Compares density, which relates to weight per unit volume.

not as cumbersome as

Focuses on the characteristic of being unwieldy or difficult to handle, rather than pure weight.

FAQs

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

Use "less heavy than" to compare the weight of two objects or concepts. For instance, "This suitcase is "less heavy than" the other one" or "The new regulations are "less heavy than" the previous ones."

What's a simpler way to say "less heavy than"?

A simpler alternative is "lighter than". For example, instead of saying "This material is "less heavy than" concrete", you can say "This material is "lighter than" concrete".

Is it always appropriate to use "less heavy than" over "lighter than"?

While both are grammatically correct, "lighter than" is often more concise and natural-sounding in most contexts. "Less heavy than" might be preferred when emphasizing a specific aspect of weight reduction or when the comparison is more nuanced.

What is the difference between "less heavy than" and "not as heavy as"?

Both phrases indicate a comparison in weight, but "not as heavy as" directly negates the heaviness of one object compared to another, while "less heavy than" explicitly states a degree of difference. The choice depends on the desired emphasis.