lighter than expected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lighter than expected" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that weighs less than what was anticipated, often in contexts like shipping, packaging, or even metaphorical uses such as emotions or experiences. Example: "The package arrived and was surprisingly lighter than expected, making it easier to carry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"The agreement itself was a little lighter than expected," said Mitch Schlesinger, managing director at FBB Capital.

The New York Times

The company said that orders for its semiconductors started to weaken in June and that orders for shipments due in September were also lighter than expected.

The New York Times

Earlier this month, investors reacted harshly as Dell Computer, Apple Computer and Intel warned that demand for PC's was lighter than expected.

The New York Times

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts yesterday reported higher fourth-quarter earnings before a charge, but shares fell sharply because of sales that were lighter than expected.

The New York Times

Turnout was lighter than expected, but organizers said they did not regret holding the event in public, since it was intended to remove the stigma associated with divorce.

The New York Times

In a minor surprise, Mr. Muir found corrosion on the cars to be lighter than expected, suggesting that New York's thicker-skinned cars might last as long as 28 years.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Researchers in Denmark and Switzerland have built solar cells from individual nanowires, and showed that the nanowires absorbed far more light than expected based on their size.

MIT Technology Review

Everyone fancied that Mr Brand and I might butt heads, but actually, as we entered the studio, and his personal make-up artist straightened his chest hair for him, I kid you not, I realised that perhaps he might be a bit lighter weight than expected.

Independent

Added to casualties at other beaches and air-drops made the total casualties for Operation Overlord 6,500 Americans and 3,000 British and Canadians, lighter numbers than expected.

Wikipedia

The strongest storm, Cyclone Hary, was the first very intense tropical cyclone since 2000; it hit Madagascar, where it caused lighter damage than expected but three deaths.

Wikipedia

Helicopters arrived, flooding the area with light, but sooner than expected, they flew away.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the implications of something being "lighter than expected". Does it affect performance, cost, or perception? Address these consequences to enhance the narrative.

Common error

Avoid assuming the reason for something being "lighter than expected" without investigation. Jumping to conclusions can lead to inaccurate assessments and flawed decision-making. Gather data before making assumptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lighter than expected" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating that the noun's weight is less than what was anticipated. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lighter than expected" is a versatile comparative adjective phrase used to describe a situation where something weighs less, is less intense, or is less significant than initially anticipated. As Ludwig AI validates, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for use across various writing styles. Its presence in various fields such as business, science, and news reporting indicates its widespread acceptance and applicability. When using this phrase, clarity is key. Ensure that the context of the expectation is well-defined to avoid confusion. While its usage is generally straightforward, carefully consider the implications of something being "lighter than expected" to fully convey its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less heavy than anticipated

Focuses specifically on weight, replacing "lighter" with a more direct synonym.

lighter than what was projected

Rephrases the original meaning with an emphasis on the projected value.

below the anticipated weight

Directly refers to a quantifiable weight measurement.

underestimated in heaviness

Highlights that an initial estimation of weight was inaccurate.

not as burdensome as projected

Shifts the context towards burden or difficulty, rather than literal weight.

under the expected amount

Generalizes the deviation to any measurable quantity, not just weight.

smaller in scale than predicted

Alters the context to one of size or scale, implying less intensity or impact.

less significant than foreseen

Changes the focus to importance or relevance, indicating a lower impact.

not as serious as assumed

Emphasizes the severity of a situation being lower than initially thought.

easier than anticipated

Shifts the focus to the level of difficulty experienced.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "lighter than expected"?

You can use phrases like "less heavy than anticipated", "not as burdensome as projected", or "under the expected amount" depending on the context.

What does it mean when something is described as "lighter than expected"?

It means that something weighs less, has a lower intensity, or is of less significance than previously anticipated or predicted.

Is it appropriate to use "lighter than expected" in formal writing?

Yes, "lighter than expected" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in business or academic contexts, as long as it accurately describes the situation. For example, "The initial investment was "less than expected", facilitating quicker project initiation".

What is the difference between "lighter than expected" and "smaller than expected"?

"Lighter than expected" primarily refers to weight, whereas "smaller than expected" refers to size or scale. Although both describe something being less than anticipated, they apply to different attributes.