lower than normal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lower than normal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a measurement, level, or condition that is below what is typically expected or considered standard. Example: "The temperature today is lower than normal for this time of year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

scores nearly six points lower than normal.

The New Yorker

Hence the corn yield might be lower than normal years.

Cornell University

But the music was a few decibels lower than normal.

The New York Times

We'll probably just use Legoland, and fly a bit lower than normal.

The Guardian

In addition, the number of diners has been 30percentt lower than normal.

The New York Times - Food

All rivers are experiencing lower than normal flows, with two-thirds "exceptionally" low.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

At cruising altitude, airline cabins have lower-than-normal air pressure and oxygen levels.

Harvard University

Hypoglycemia is a lower-than-normal amount of blood sugar, usually caused by too much insulin.

The New York Times

The U.S. nuclear fleet is operating at lower-than-normal capacity because of cooling challenges.

MIT Technology Review

The metabolic syndrome is associated with lower-than-normal testosterone levels.

Journal of Men's Health

Their average age was 68 when they entered the study, and 83% had lower-than-normal bone density.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In reports, contextualize "lower than normal" by explaining the potential implications. For example, if describing rainfall, also mention the effect on crops or water resources.

Common error

Avoid using "lower than normal" without providing context or specifics. Simply stating something is "lower than normal" can be vague. Always clarify what 'normal' refers to and, if possible, quantify the difference to provide a clearer understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lower than normal" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to describe something that is less than what is generally expected or considered to be the standard. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

23%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lower than normal" is a grammatically sound and versatile comparative adjective phrase used to indicate that something is less than what is typically expected. Ludwig AI analysis shows it's used across various domains, including news, academia, and science. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide specific context and quantitative data to avoid vagueness and enhance clarity. Common alternatives include "below average" and "less than usual". The frequency of the expression is very high, so it's safe to say that it's a common way to express a measure that doesn't reach standard levels.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

below the usual level

This alternative replaces "normal" with "usual level", emphasizing a deviation from what is typical.

lower than expected

This alternative highlights the difference between the actual value and the anticipated one.

less than the average

This phrase uses "average" to indicate the norm, providing a statistical perspective.

under the typical amount

This alternative uses "typical amount" instead of "normal", focusing on quantity or degree.

reduced from the standard

This version emphasizes the act of reduction from a defined standard.

inferior to the baseline

This phrase uses "baseline" to refer to the norm, suitable for more technical contexts.

below the par

This phrase is more idiomatic and suggests a performance or result that is worse than the expected standard.

at a deficient level

This option stresses that something lacks a required or expected quality.

short of the mark

This alternative indicates that something fails to reach the required standard or goal.

not up to snuff

This is an informal way to say something doesn't meet the required standard.

FAQs

What does "lower than normal" mean?

The phrase "lower than normal" indicates that a particular value, level, or condition is less than what is typically expected or considered standard. It implies a deviation from the usual or average state.

How can I use "lower than normal" in a sentence?

You can use "lower than normal" to describe various situations. For example: "The river's water level is "lower than normal" due to the drought", or "Her blood pressure was "lower than normal" during the examination".

What are some alternatives to saying "lower than normal"?

Some alternatives to "lower than normal" include "below average", "less than usual", or "below the standard". The best choice depends on the context.

Is it always negative to be "lower than normal"?

Not necessarily. Whether it's negative depends on the context. For example, "lower than normal" blood pressure might be a concern, while "lower than normal" energy consumption could be positive.