milder than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "milder than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the intensity or severity of two things, indicating that one is less severe or harsh than the other. Example: "The weather this winter is milder than last year's, making it more pleasant for outdoor activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Those consequences have been milder than expected.

The New York Times

"This is milder than prior downturns.

The New York Times

What they saw was "milder" than they were expecting.

The Guardian - Arts

The latest job-loss estimates were milder than several others.

The New York Times

The euro zone's recession is proving milder than expected.

The Economist

Drug use, profanity and violence, all milder than you'd expect.

The New York Times

The mean temperature in Scotland was 5.7C, 0.5C below average, only slightly milder than March.

The Guardian

The 1889 pandemic also had a well-defined first wave that was milder than succeeding waves.

The New York Times

It's tends to be smokier and milder than North Carolina's vinegary, tangy approach.

The New York Times - Travel

Its climate tends to be milder than that of the UK.

The Guardian

"I actually thought that the pushback was milder than I expected," he said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "milder than" to describe abstract concepts like policies or reactions, ensure the comparison is clear and specific. For example, instead of saying "The response was milder than expected", specify what expectations you are comparing it to: "The response was milder than expected compared to previous policy changes".

Common error

Avoid using "milder than" when you simply mean 'mild'. "Mild" describes a single entity, whereas "milder than" requires a comparison. Saying "The sauce is milder than" without specifying what it's milder than leaves the sentence incomplete and confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "milder than" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to indicate that one thing possesses a less intense or severe quality compared to another. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate this in contexts ranging from weather and flavors to political reactions and medical symptoms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "milder than" is a common and grammatically correct comparative adjective phrase used to indicate that something is less intense or severe compared to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalent usage across various contexts, including news, science, and everyday conversation. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to ensure the comparison is clear and specific to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases include "less intense than" and "less severe than", offering alternative ways to express similar comparisons. When writing, be sure to differentiate it from just "mild", which does not include a comparison. Source authority is high with many examples taken from established publications like The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less intense than

Focuses on the intensity aspect, implying a lower degree of strength or force.

less severe than

Highlights the severity, suggesting a reduced level of seriousness or harm.

not as strong as

Emphasizes a weaker or less potent comparison.

not as harsh as

Emphasizes a less severe or unpleasant comparison.

not as extreme as

Highlights a less drastic or intense comparison.

more gentle than

Implies a softer or more delicate quality in comparison.

softer than

Suggests a less harsh or abrasive comparison.

weaker than

Highlights a reduced level of power or effectiveness.

less pronounced than

Focuses on the degree of prominence or visibility.

more subdued than

Implies a quieter or more restrained quality.

FAQs

How can I use "milder than" in a sentence?

Use "milder than" to compare the intensity or severity of two things, indicating one is less intense or severe than the other. For example, "This winter's cold is "milder than" last year's."

What's the difference between "milder than" and "less intense than"?

"Milder than" generally suggests a gentler or more moderate quality, while "less intense than" focuses specifically on the level of intensity. They are often interchangeable, but "milder than" can also refer to flavors or weather in ways that "less intense than" might not fit as well.

What are some synonyms for "milder than"?

Some synonyms for "milder than" include "less severe than", "less intense than", and "softer than". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state what something is "milder than"?

Yes, to avoid ambiguity, it's best practice to explicitly state what something is "milder than". Saying "The spice level is "milder than"" without specifying what you are comparing it to leaves the comparison incomplete and unclear.