more delicate than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more delicate than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the delicacy of one thing to another, often in contexts involving sensitivity, fragility, or subtlety. Example: "The porcelain vase is more delicate than the glass one, requiring careful handling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the situation is more delicate than that.

The New York Times

But democracy remains more delicate than we imagine.

The New Yorker

This question turns out to be more delicate than is generally appreciated.

Journal of Computational Physics

But detaining children and families proved more delicate than holding lone adults.

The Economist

The Japanese pork gyozas came with skins that were more delicate than most.

The New York Times

Even more delicate than parsley, it needs stripping from its thicker stems, and gently slicing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But the stems and leaves are more delicate than the scrunchy clumps usually found in markets.

The New York Times

The creative process is more delicate than, say, nailing down that interview with Chandra's mom.

The New York Times - Magazine

The lesson of the Roman Forum is that everything is more delicate than we can imagine.

The New Yorker

The nuances of the spices were noticeably more delicate than in a traditional Indian place.

The New York Times - Travel

He's recovered, but he's still slower and more delicate than other dogs.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more delicate than", ensure the comparison is clear and that the items being compared share a relevant characteristic. For instance, "This fabric is more delicate than canvas and requires hand washing."

Common error

Avoid using "more delicate than" when describing something that is simply 'not strong' or 'not robust'. Delicacy implies a finesse or refinement, not just a lack of strength. Using alternatives like 'less durable' may provide a more accurate comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more delicate than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to compare the degree of delicacy between two subjects. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more delicate than" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to draw comparisons based on fragility, sensitivity, or refinement. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, it is widely accepted and used across various contexts, from news reporting to scientific literature. While alternatives like "more fragile than" or "more sensitive than" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use the phrase accurately, ensuring the comparison is clear and relevant, and avoiding overstatement in contexts where a simpler term like 'less durable' might suffice. Its frequency and broad applicability make it a valuable addition to your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more fragile than

Emphasizes physical vulnerability and ease of breakage.

more brittle than

Highlights the tendency to snap or break easily, similar to fragile but often implying a harder material.

more vulnerable than

Emphasizes susceptibility to harm or damage.

more sensitive than

Highlights responsiveness to external stimuli or emotional nuance.

more nuanced than

Focuses on subtle differences in meaning or expression.

more subtle than

Focuses on the refined or understated nature of something.

more refined than

Implies a higher degree of elegance or sophistication.

more intricate than

Suggests a greater level of complexity and detail.

more precarious than

Highlights instability and risk of failure.

more temperamental than

Implies a tendency to unpredictable behavior or reactions.

FAQs

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

You can use "more delicate than" to compare the fragility or sensitivity of two items. For example, "The antique lace is "more delicate than" modern cotton fabric."

What are some alternatives to using "more delicate than"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "more fragile than", "more sensitive than", or "more subtle than" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "more delicate than" or should I use a different phrasing?

The phrase "more delicate than" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It accurately compares the delicacy of one thing in relation to another. There are no grammatical issues with its usage.

What's the difference between "more delicate than" and "more fragile than"?

While both suggest vulnerability, "more delicate than" often implies a refined quality or sensitivity, whereas "more fragile than" primarily focuses on the ease with which something can be broken or damaged.