less solid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less solid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not as firm, stable, or certain as something else. Example: "The foundation of the building was less solid than the engineers had anticipated, raising concerns about its safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But that consensus is becoming less solid.

The Economist

This was less solid than "social Darwinism".

The New Yorker

But support for United Russia is less solid.

The Guardian

I wish it was a little less solid.

The Guardian - Books

Here, though, they're on much less solid ground.

The Washington Post

The newly thickened firewall is less solid than it appears.

The Economist

The sureness we see in Toledano's portrait seems to have been replaced by something less solid.

The New Yorker

Yet even the cuts plan may be less solid than it appears.

The Guardian

The Home Depot's KraftMaid cabinets are also appealing, if a little less solid than Expo's.

The New York Times

There are less solid bases on which to build a national team.

The Guardian - Sport

Khan, by contrast, has a much less solid structure to rely on.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts like arguments or plans, consider using "less solid" to convey that they are not well-supported or fully developed. For instance, "The evidence supporting his claim was less solid than initially believed."

Common error

Avoid using "less solid" when more precise scientific or technical terms are available. For example, instead of saying "the material is less solid", specify whether it's "less dense", "less viscous", or has a "lower tensile strength", depending on the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less solid" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a reduced state of solidity. As shown in Ludwig, it describes something not as firm or stable as another. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less solid" is a grammatically correct and frequently used comparative adjective phrase. As Ludwig confirms, it describes a state of reduced firmness, stability, or reliability and is suitable for diverse contexts ranging from news and media to scientific writing. While versatile, it's important to choose more precise technical terms when describing specific material properties. Alternatives like "more unstable" or "less firm" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. With its widespread use and clear meaning, "less solid" is a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more unstable

Focuses on the lack of stability rather than solidity.

less stable

Emphasizes a lack of steadiness or firmness.

less firm

Highlights a reduction in physical firmness or resolve.

weaker

Indicates a reduction in strength or effectiveness.

more tenuous

Suggests a lack of substance or strength, often in a figurative sense.

less secure

Highlights a lack of safety or reliability.

more shaky

Implies instability or a lack of reliability.

less reliable

Focuses on the dependability or trustworthiness of something.

more questionable

Indicates doubt or uncertainty about something's validity.

more fragile

Highlights the ease with which something can be broken or damaged.

FAQs

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

You can use "less solid" to describe something that is not as firm, stable, or certain as something else. For example: "The foundation of their argument was "less solid" than they initially thought".

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

Alternatives to "less solid" include "more unstable", "less stable", or "less firm", depending on the context.

Which is correct: "less solid" or "not as solid"?

Both "less solid" and "not as solid" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably in many contexts. However, "less solid" may sound more concise and professional in formal writing.

When should I use "less solid" versus "weaker"?

Use "less solid" when referring to physical firmness or the stability of something, like a foundation or an argument. Use "weaker" when referring to strength or effectiveness. For example: "The building's foundation was "less solid"", but "His resolve was "weaker" after the setback".