less stiff

USAGE SUMMARY

"less stiff" is correct and can be used in written English.
Examples: "He moved his joints more freely, as if he had become less stiff." "The heat softened the wax, making it less stiff and easier to mold."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Compared to intact bone (6.9 Nm/°), both groups of nails were significantly less stiff (relative stiffness 2 20%).

Injury

Competition is no less stiff, though.

The Guardian

"I'm less stiff," Bretta M. said.

The New York Times

They want to treat it and make it less stiff".

The New York Times

Scaffolds seeded with eMSCs were significantly less stiff on initial stretching than scaffolds implanted without eMSCs.

Acta Biomaterialia

Finally, wounds treated with ccPLCL were significantly less stiff than control wounds at d30 in vivo.

Biomaterials

Conversely, cells on 2HEMA PEGDMA copolymers became more differentiated on the less stiff 2HEMA surface.

Biomaterials

"I generally felt he needed to loosen up and be less stiff".

The Guardian

In young adults, those with more body fat had less stiff arteries.

The Guardian

The material is less stiff and weaker in the tangential and radial directions.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

The incorporation of CH particles led to less stiff and less elastic composites.

Composites Part B: Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a physical object, ensure that the context clearly indicates what is becoming "less stiff". For instance, specify whether you're referring to a material's property, a joint's mobility, or a structure's stability.

Common error

Avoid using "less stiff" as a standalone description without providing a point of comparison. Always clarify what the subject is "less stiff" than to prevent ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "the material is less stiff", specify "the material is less stiff than steel."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less stiff" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun by indicating a reduced degree of stiffness. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing physical properties, bodily sensations, and even abstract concepts like resistance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less stiff" is a grammatically sound and commonly used comparative adjective phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, predominantly in science and news. Its primary function is to describe a reduction in rigidity or an increase in flexibility, whether physical or abstract. While versatile, clarity is key: ensure the context specifies what the subject is "less stiff" than. Alternatives like "more flexible" or "less rigid" offer nuanced substitutions. Therefore, with its wide applicability and clear meaning, "less stiff" remains a valuable and reliable phrase in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less rigid

Directly contrasts with "less stiff", focusing on the absence of inflexibility.

more flexible

Indicates a greater range of motion or adaptability, implying a reduction in stiffness.

more flexible

Expresses the opposite of stiffness by emphasizing adaptability and ease of movement.

more pliable

Suggests increased ease of bending or molding, directly opposing stiffness.

more supple

Implies a smoother and more graceful flexibility, highlighting a refined lack of stiffness.

more elastic

Suggests a better capacity to return to an original shape, indicating less permanent deformation.

more relaxed

Focuses on the absence of tension, suggesting a less rigid state.

looser

Suggests a reduction in tightness or constraint, often used for physical objects.

more yielding

Highlights the capacity to give way under pressure, implying reduced resistance to deformation.

more limber

Implies a greater agility and ease of movement, highlighting the benefits of reduced stiffness.

FAQs

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

You can use "less stiff" to describe a reduction in rigidity or an increase in flexibility. For example, "After the massage, my muscles felt "more relaxed" and less stiff."

What's an alternative to saying "less stiff"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "more flexible", "less rigid", or "more supple" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "less stiff" or should I use another phrase?

The phrase "less stiff" is grammatically correct and widely used, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its appropriateness depends on the context; it's suitable when comparing the degree of stiffness between two things.

What does it mean for something to be "less stiff"?

For something to be "less stiff" means that it exhibits a lower resistance to bending or deformation compared to a previous state or another object. It implies increased flexibility or pliability.