less strong than

USAGE SUMMARY

"less strong than" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase used to compare the strength of two things or ideas. It is typically used to indicate that one thing is weaker or less powerful than another. Example: - "His argument was less strong than hers, but it still had some valid points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

Some swear words are considered less strong than others, but I would avoid them all.

The Guardian - Money

For a storm a little less strong than this, that would have been enough.

The New Yorker

And, at any rate, the south's commitment to traditional values is, like Bill Clinton's, less strong than many might believe.

The Guardian

Effects like buoyancy of hot gases during ignition and flame propagation are less strong than at atmospheric conditions.

Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries

On average, women's support for the use of force is less strong than men's, by about 10 points.

The New York Times

The platform, complete with a declaration on civil rights no less "strong" than the one that divided the 1948 convention in Philadelphia, had been adopted.

The New York Times

"It's a little less strong than we had expected and unlike the last few years is not a lot stronger than we had expected".

The New York Times

When a successful team like Foreign Office Architects split, there is always a chance that the parts will prove less strong than the whole.

The Guardian - Arts

The tests showed, though, that the new phones are substantially less strong than 2012's iPhone 5, whose body is also used in 2013's iPhone 5S.

The Guardian - Tech

Sir John Vickers, who led the Independent Commission on Banking, said: "The Bank of England proposal is less strong than what the ICB recommended".

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the strength of two entities, ensure the comparison is clear and specific. Instead of simply stating "X is less strong than Y", elaborate on the specific aspect of strength being compared (e.g., "The steel alloy is less strong than titanium in terms of tensile strength").

Common error

Ensure that the comparison using "less strong than" is meaningful and avoids vagueness. For example, stating "This argument is less strong than that one" is weak without specifying why or how it is less strong. Provide specific evidence or reasoning to support the comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less strong than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to describe something that possesses a lower degree of strength compared to something else. Ludwig AI confirms that it follows standard grammar rules and offers multiple examples from diverse sources illustrating its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

42%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less strong than" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative phrase that serves to indicate a lower degree of strength or intensity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from diverse and authoritative sources. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news, science, and academia, demonstrating its versatility. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to ensure the comparison is clear and specific, avoiding vague or unsupported statements. Alternatives like "weaker than" or "not as powerful as" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weaker than

Direct synonym focusing on a lower degree of physical or abstract strength.

not as powerful as

Emphasizes a deficit in power or force.

less potent than

Highlights a reduced effectiveness or impact.

not as robust as

Implies a lack of durability or resilience.

inferior to

Suggests a lower quality or effectiveness in comparison.

not as firm as

Focuses on a lack of stability or resolve.

paler than

Describes a reduced intensity, particularly in color or light, creating a connection to the original sense of "strength".

not as influential as

Shifts the focus to a reduced capacity to affect or sway.

lacking the force of

Emphasizes the absence of a certain level of force or impact.

a shadow of

More figurative, suggesting a significantly diminished version of the original.

FAQs

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

Use "less strong than" to compare the relative strength of two entities or concepts. For instance, "The economy's recovery is "less strong than" initially predicted" or "His conviction was "less strong than" hers."

What are some alternatives to saying "less strong than"?

You can use alternatives like "weaker than", "not as powerful as", or "less potent than", depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "less strong than"?

While grammatically correct, "less strong than" might not always be the most precise or impactful phrasing. Consider whether a more specific term (e.g., "more brittle", "less resilient") would better convey the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "less strong than" and "not as strong as"?

The phrases "less strong than" and "not as strong as" are largely interchangeable and carry the same meaning. The choice between them often comes down to stylistic preference.