more compact than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more compact than" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to compare the size or amount of something to show that one is smaller or denser than the other. Here are a few examples: 1. "The new laptop is more compact than my old one, making it easier to carry around." 2. "I prefer a more compact phone than the one I have now, as it fits better in my pocket." 3. "The city's transportation system is more compact than the sprawling suburban one." 4. "The mini fridge is more compact than a traditional one, making it perfect for small spaces." 5. "The new textbook has a more compact layout than the previous edition, saving space in my backpack."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And her body seems more compact than oversize.

The New York Times

Still, today's layout is more compact than planners' vision.

The Washington Post

Sometimes TEMPOS-based circuits are more compact than conventional electronics.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms

The total physical track is more compact than equilibrium before.

Optik - International Journal for Light and Electron Optics

This finding implies that proteases are more compact than nonproteases.

Polymer

It is lighter and more compact than traditional systems and uses new imaging physics.

Columbia University

Staff space is slightly more compact than before but more efficient and comfortable.

Harvard University

However, water and alcohol when mixed yield a sum that is more compact than the parts.

The New York Times

Shorter and more compact than his father, Joe Ryan was known as Red.

The New Yorker

And it's still considerably more compact than a digital single-lens reflex camera.

The New York Times - Tech

Yes, the museum's Rotunda Gallery is more compact than some New York studio apartments.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two items using "more compact than", ensure that both items are clearly defined and that the basis of comparison (size, density, etc.) is evident to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "more compact" without specifying what it is being compared to. For instance, instead of writing 'This design is more compact', specify 'This design is "more compact than" the previous model'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more compact than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to describe a noun by comparing its compactness (density and size) to another noun. Ludwig provides many examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

41%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more compact than" is a grammatically correct and frequently used comparative phrase employed to describe the size or density of something relative to another. As Ludwig's analysis confirms, its usage spans across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia, indicating broad applicability. When using this phrase, it's crucial to clearly define the subjects being compared to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "smaller than" or "less bulky than" depending on the specific emphasis needed. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is widely recognized and accepted in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

smaller than

Focuses on size reduction only, without necessarily implying density.

less bulky than

Emphasizes the reduction in bulkiness or unwieldiness.

more condensed than

Highlights an increase in density through compression.

more streamlined than

Suggests a more efficient and space-saving design.

more compressed than

Indicates that something has been squeezed or compacted.

denser than

Focuses solely on density, not necessarily overall size.

more diminutive than

Implies a significant reduction in size, often to a small or miniature scale.

more petite than

Similar to "more diminutive", often used when referring to objects or people.

less expansive than

Highlights a smaller spatial extent or range.

more closely packed than

Describes a configuration where components are situated closer together.

FAQs

How can I use "more compact than" in a sentence?

Use "more compact than" to compare the size or density of two items, indicating one is smaller or more densely packed. For instance, "This laptop is "more compact than" my desktop computer".

What's a synonym for "more compact than"?

Alternatives include "smaller than", "less bulky than", or "more condensed than", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "more compact than"?

Yes, "more compact than" is grammatically sound and commonly used to make comparisons. Ludwig confirms that it's a standard comparative phrase.

What is the difference between "more compact than" and "smaller than"?

"More compact than" implies a higher density or efficient use of space, whereas "smaller than" simply refers to a reduction in size. A device can be "more compact than" another even if their overall size is similar, due to internal arrangement.