less strong

USAGE SUMMARY

"less strong" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has less intensity than before; for example, "The coffee was less strong than usual."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

7. Are your erections less strong?

The New Yorker

7 Are your erections less strong?

The Guardian

And the other's much less strong.

The Guardian

"At lunch maybe a little less strong, more rounded.

The New York Times

Those cribworks are less strong than nature's own constructs.

The New Yorker

Cider vinegar will give a less strong taste.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Cookie," and slightly less strong songs ("It's Gonna Be Alright").

The New Yorker

"They have less strong opinions around new materials.

The Guardian

But her faith, she said, was no less strong.

The New York Times

But had it seemed stronger or less strong?

The New Yorker

"Compared to Australia's mandatory commitment, it's significantly less strong".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the strength of two items, ensure that the context makes it clear what aspect of "strength" you are referring to, such as physical strength, emotional strength, or the strength of an argument.

Common error

Avoid using "less strong" in overly complex comparative sentences where simpler alternatives like "weaker" or "not as strong" would improve clarity. Overly complex sentence structures can obscure your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less strong" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating that the noun possesses a lower degree of strength compared to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less strong" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a comparative lack of strength, intensity, or power. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used across a variety of contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While synonyms like "weaker" exist, "less strong" offers a slightly different shade of meaning, often emphasizing a relative comparison. When using "less strong", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific aspect of strength being discussed. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively communicate degrees of strength in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weaker

Uses a simpler, single-word adjective to indicate reduced strength.

not as potent

Focuses on the diminished effectiveness or impact.

diminished in strength

Emphasizes the process of becoming weaker.

lacking intensity

Highlights the absence of strong feeling or power.

not so robust

Suggests a reduction in health or vigor.

somewhat feeble

Implies a degree of weakness, often physical.

slightly diluted

Indicates a reduction in concentration or purity.

not quite as forceful

Specifically refers to a decrease in applied power.

a bit subdued

Conveys a reduction in energy or liveliness.

relatively mild

Suggests a lower level of severity or impact.

FAQs

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

Use "less strong" to compare the relative strength of two or more things, such as "This coffee is "less strong" than the one I had yesterday".

What is a synonym for "less strong"?

Alternatives for "less strong" include "weaker", "not as potent", or "diminished in strength", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "less strong" or "weaker"?

While both are grammatically correct, "weaker" is often more concise and direct. "Less strong" might be preferred when emphasizing a gradual reduction in strength or comparing degrees of strength.

Which is the difference between "less strong" and "not as strong"?

"Less strong" and "not as strong" are very similar. The choice often comes down to stylistic preference, but "not as strong" might sound slightly more natural in some contexts.