milder

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'milder' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as an adjective to mean "less severe, strong, or intense." Example: The cold temperatures had become milder as winter approached.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mounting evidence shows benefits of being out and active in green spaces: less tension and stress, lower blood pressure, improved immune system responses, and milder ADHD symptoms in children.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The official summary report made public as a letter in April used much milder language to express concerns about HSBC's processes, stating "in certain instances the monitor believes that HSBC Group's progress has been too slow", adding that in some areas the bank's "historical cultural deficiencies continue to pervade its operations today".

The Guardian - Business

But I'm sold on the subtle sharpness and creamy texture of the lancashire, in particular (the milder cheshire and the fresh curd Haworth also sticks in have more difficulty standing up to the onion).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In its Health at a Glance report to be released on Thursday, the OECD said that rising consumption levels could be explained by the use of antidepressants in milder cases.

The Guardian

Although its social impact has been milder than that of the 1930s, the crisis that began in 2008 has been longer and by some measures deeper.

The Guardian - Opinion

Beer sales at convenience stores are already banned in some Indonesian districts that adopt milder aspects of Islamic sharia law.

The Economist

The euro zone's to-do list, from milder austerity to faster progress towards banking union, is as familiar as Mrs Merkel's wariness of it.

The Economist

(He is pictured above, on the milder occasion of the 2010 Commonwealth games, standing to the left of Sri Lanka's president, Mahinda Rajapaksa).

The Economist

But jihadists are a minority within the Salafist trend; most Salafists are of a milder bent".Rebel ranks are drawn disproportionately from poor, conservative areas where Salafism has resonance," says Noah Bonsey, an author of a recent report by the International Crisis Group, a Brussels-based lobby, on jihadists in Syria.

The Economist

For example, a detailed new study of climate change in Europe, led by Britain's University of East Anglia, concludes that climate change will probably be a modest boon for northern countries, in which winters could become milder and harvests would improve.

The Economist

They think milder policies would help to save the environment and feed the world.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing weather conditions, use "milder" to indicate a temperature that is warmer than expected for the season. For example: "The winters are getting milder."

Common error

Avoid confusing "milder", which means less severe, with "mildew", which is a type of fungus. Ensure your spelling is correct to avoid miscommunication.

Linguistic Context

The word "milder" functions as a comparative adjective, modifying nouns by indicating a lesser degree of a particular quality. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it shows a reduced intensity compared to something else. For example, "milder symptoms" suggest less severe symptoms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "milder" functions as a comparative adjective indicating a reduction in intensity or severity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It's versatile, appearing in various contexts, including news, business, and scientific writing. The phrase is very common, with frequent use in authoritative sources like The Economist and The Guardian. Remember to avoid confusing "milder" with "mildew" and to use it appropriately when comparing the intensity of different things.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less severe

Focuses on reduced severity of a condition or action.

more gentle

Emphasizes a softer or kinder approach.

less intense

Highlights a decrease in intensity or strength.

more moderate

Suggests a balanced or tempered approach.

not as harsh

Indicates a reduction in the severity or unpleasantness.

somewhat subdued

Implies a lessening of activity or force.

slightly weakened

Highlights a decrease in physical strength or power.

a bit calmer

Suggests a decrease in agitation or disturbance.

relatively lenient

Focuses on a less strict or severe punishment or rule.

fairly tempered

Indicates a controlled or balanced level of intensity.

FAQs

How can I use "milder" in a sentence?

"Milder" is typically used to compare the intensity of something. For example, "This winter is "milder" than last year" indicates a less severe winter.

What's a good substitute for "milder"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "less severe", "more gentle", or "more moderate" to express a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "milder than usual"?

Yes, "milder than usual" is a correct and commonly used phrase to describe something that is less intense or severe compared to what is typically expected.

What is the difference between "milder" and "gentler"?

While both words suggest a reduction in intensity, "milder" often refers to a general reduction in severity, while "gentler" implies a softer or kinder approach. For instance, a "milder" punishment is less severe, while a "gentler" touch is softer and more careful.