less shaky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less shaky" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is more stable or secure than before, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "After tightening the screws, the table felt much less shaky than it did before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

My French, thankfully, was far less shaky.

The New York Times

In the first few weeks he slowly grew less shaky, and steadier on his feet, and he has not suffered any more seizures, although he does have a higher than average risk of developing epilepsy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Over at the FT, though, finances look a little less shaky (so I know who'll be getting the beers in next time...) Robin Wigglesworth (@RobinWigg) The entire FT capital markets desk is German in this eurozone-themed quiz from the Graundiad.

The Guardian - Business

Not only is Sacramento on the right side of the San Andreas fault (the decidedly less shaky side), but in the last few years, the bear market has sent Bay Area companies like InsWeb and residents 90 miles inland, looking for affordable homes and offices.

The New York Times

Update: Uploaded a new video that is less shaky than the first.

TechCrunch

Recently, Instagram added some savvy stabilization, which makes your back-and-forth image loops much less shaky.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The song's deranged synth chords and sloppy jazz-break drums evoke the early-eighties blend of rap and punk that the Beastie Boys perfected, but the Garden aspires to something less defined — shakier than rap's precise loops and more swinging and dynamic than punk's hammering movements.

The New Yorker

Having more or less reneged on shaky, post-July promises of civil rights reform, Najib is now pushing through remodelled restrictions in the form of the Peaceful Assembly act.

The Guardian - Opinion

The walk is slower, the hearing less sharp, even the handwriting a bit shaky.

Los Angeles Times

She plays when she feels like it, and although she never drinks coffee ("It makes you shaky and less precise," she told me), she can stay alert for long stretches, communicating with friends all over the world.

The New Yorker

DealBook »   JPMorgan Said to Cut Pay in Investment Bank | Bloomberg Newsws reports: "JPMorgan Chase & Company paid investment bankers and traders about 3 percent less in 2012 as shaky economies in the United States and Europe put a damper on deals, said two people with knowledge of the firm's compensation".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing improvements in a situation, consider using "less shaky" to convey a subtle yet significant enhancement in stability or confidence. For instance, "After the new management took over, the company's financial situation became less shaky".

Common error

While "less shaky" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for stronger, more precise alternatives like "more stable" or "more reliable" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less shaky" functions primarily as a descriptive modifier, indicating a comparative reduction in instability or unreliability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable. It is often employed to depict a state of improved stability or security, drawing on examples that span from tangible scenarios like a "less shaky" table to more abstract concepts like financial stability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less shaky" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to describe a state of improved stability or reliability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While considered neutral in register, it's most commonly found in News & Media sources and may benefit from stronger alternatives like "more stable" or "more reliable" in formal contexts. To avoid overuse and maintain a professional tone, be mindful of context and choose more precise language when appropriate. Its communicative purpose is to indicate progress and reassure stability where there was uncertainty before.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more stable

Focuses on the positive aspect of increased stability.

more secure

Emphasizes the feeling of safety and reliability.

more steady

Highlights the improvement in steadiness or balance.

less precarious

Shifts the focus to the reduction of risk or danger.

more solid

Suggests an increase in firmness or strength.

more grounded

Implies a stronger connection to reality or a more practical approach.

more dependable

Highlights the increase in reliability and trustworthiness.

more reliable

Similar to dependable but with a slightly different connotation.

less volatile

Specifically addresses a reduction in unpredictable changes.

more firm

Emphasizes the increase in strength and resistance to movement.

FAQs

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

You can use "less shaky" to describe something that has become more stable or reliable. For example: "After the software update, the application became "less shaky" and more dependable".

What's a good alternative to "less shaky"?

Alternatives include "more stable", "more secure", or "more reliable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "less shaky" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "less shaky" may be perceived as slightly informal. In formal writing, consider using alternatives such as "more stable" or "more dependable" to maintain a professional tone.

What does it mean when something is described as "less shaky"?

It means that something that was previously unstable, uncertain, or unreliable has improved and become more solid or dependable. The degree of change can vary, but the implication is an increase in stability.