lighter in weight

USAGE SUMMARY

"lighter in weight" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to compare or contrast the weight of two different objects. For example, "This new model of phone is lighter in weight than the previous model."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And fabrics are much lighter in weight, despite how they may appear in photographs or videos.

The New York Times

The core remains, but Mangini is significantly lighter in weight and in approach.

The New York Times - Sports

The modern liquid-crystal screen in laptop computers, though lighter in weight, is even worse.

The Economist

For example, plastic lenses are lighter in weight than glass and equally good for vision, Mr. Kelley said.

The New York Times

These doors were lighter in weight than panel doors and less expensive because the cores were made from scrap wood.

The New York Times

The floors in most of the high-rise buildings erected since the sixties are much lighter in weight than the floors in the older buildings.

The New Yorker

Broadly speaking, mineral colour indicates the specific gravity of the mineral; minerals that are lighter in colour are also lighter in weight.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The fabric produced is flatter and lighter in weight than other knit types, with more stretch in the width than in the length.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As steel is stronger and lighter in weight than iron, the use of a steel frame made possible the construction of truly tall buildings.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Solid propellants were, eventually, easier to make, safer to store, lighter in weight (because they did not require on-board pumps), and more reliable than their liquid predecessors.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Two things made its construction feasible: the magnificent quality of the mortar used in the concrete and the meticulous selection and grading of the aggregate, which became lighter in weight with increasing height.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the weight of two objects, ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being compared. For example, specify "This model is "lighter in weight" than the previous version".

Common error

Avoid using "lighter in weight" when referring to abstract concepts or metaphorical weight. Stick to physical objects or situations where weight is a literal factor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lighter in weight" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating that the noun possesses a lower mass compared to something else. Ludwig's examples show its use in describing various objects, from laptops to building materials, as having reduced mass.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lighter in weight" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an object with reduced mass, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a comparative adjective phrase, frequently used in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating what is being compared and avoid using it metaphorically. While alternatives like "less weighty" or "not as heavy" exist, "lighter in weight" offers precision, especially in technical contexts. Overall, it is a practical and versatile expression for indicating a lower mass.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as heavy

Uses a more informal and direct comparison of weight.

less weighty

Replaces "lighter" with "less" and uses the adjective "weighty" to emphasize the characteristic of having weight.

of reduced mass

Emphasizes the scientific concept of mass rather than the everyday term weight.

with less heft

Uses the word "heft" to refer to the weight or bulk of something, suggesting a reduction in physical mass.

lower in density

Focuses on density, which implies less weight for the same volume.

with a reduced load

Focuses on the load aspect, implying a weight reduction.

less burdensome

Shifts the focus to the feeling or impact of the weight rather than the weight itself.

easier to carry

Highlights the practical implication of being lighter.

more featherweight

Compares the object to a feather to emphasize its lightness.

more portable

Emphasizes the characteristic of something being easily carried, often due to its lighter weight.

FAQs

How can I use "lighter in weight" in a sentence?

You can use "lighter in weight" to compare the mass of two objects. For example, "The new laptop is "lighter in weight" than the old one, making it easier to carry".

What is a good alternative to saying "lighter in weight"?

Alternatives include "less weighty", "not as heavy", or "of reduced mass", depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "lighter in weight"? Why not just say "lighter"?

While "lighter" can suffice, "lighter in weight" explicitly specifies that you're referring to mass, avoiding potential ambiguity. It's particularly useful when "lighter" could refer to color or mood.

When should I use "lighter in weight" versus "less heavy"?

"Lighter in weight" and "less heavy" are largely interchangeable. "Lighter in weight" might be preferred in more technical contexts, while "less heavy" is generally more informal.