more dense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more dense" is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English and can be used whenever you want to indicate something has become denser.
For example, "The new housing area was much more dense than other areas of the city".

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You mean it became more dense?

The New York Times

The gas is more dense.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

That cloud has only grown more dense.

The Guardian - Arts

Is it more dense, or less dense?

Cornell University

It becomes more dense, pulls more stuff in, becomes even more dense, and so on.

Cornell University

It is always much more dense than people think.

The Guardian - Film

Another new format – but this one rather more dense.

The Guardian - Sport

At Antwerp his defense system was even more dense.

Britannica

As the core becomes more dense, it becomes opaque.

Harvard University

Larger, more dense objects might take several hours.

The New York Times

What we've done has made time even more dense.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the density of different materials or objects, be specific about what properties you are measuring or comparing. For example, instead of simply saying "material A is more dense", specify "material A has a higher mass density than material B".

Common error

Avoid assuming that a larger object is always "more dense" than a smaller one, or that a heavier object is always "more dense". Density is a measure of mass per unit volume, so a small, heavy object can be "more dense" than a large, light one. Weight is the gravitational force acting on an object's mass; size is its physical dimensions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more dense" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It serves to compare the density of two or more entities, indicating that one possesses a greater mass per unit volume than the other. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase is used in diverse contexts to denote comparative density.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "more dense" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed comparative adjective phrase, used to indicate a higher degree of density between two or more subjects. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase appears across diverse fields such as academia, news, and science. While technically correct, it's crucial to use "more dense" with precision, avoiding confusion with related concepts like weight or size. Context dictates the specific alternatives, ranging from "more concentrated" to "more compact", each carrying a subtle nuance. By paying attention to these factors, you can effectively communicate the intended meaning, avoiding ambiguity and ensuring accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

of higher density

A more formal and technical way of saying "more dense", suitable for scientific or academic contexts.

more concentrated

Indicates a higher proportion of a substance within a given volume, similar to density but often used for solutions or mixtures.

more compact

Suggests a tighter arrangement of elements or components, implying a reduction in space occupied.

more tightly packed

Emphasizes the close proximity of items or particles, highlighting the lack of space between them.

more compressed

Implies a reduction in volume due to applied pressure, often suggesting a forced increase in density.

more impervious

Describes a material that is less penetrable, suggesting a higher density that resists passage.

more substantial

Indicates that something has greater mass or solidity, implying a higher density compared to something less substantial.

more close-knit

Used in a social context, this indicates a tightly bound group or community, suggesting a higher density of relationships or interactions.

more intense

Can be used metaphorically to describe a higher concentration of emotion, activity, or sensory input, akin to a higher density of experience.

more heavily populated

Describes a region or area with a larger number of inhabitants per unit area, reflecting a higher population density.

FAQs

How do I use "more dense" in a sentence?

The phrase "more dense" is used to compare the density of two or more things. For example, "The metal is "more dense" than the plastic".

What's the difference between "more dense" and "more concentrated"?

"More dense" refers to mass per unit volume, while "more concentrated" often refers to the amount of a substance in a solution or mixture. Density is a physical property, concentration is a compositional one.

What can I say instead of "more dense"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "more compact", "more tightly packed", or "of higher density".

Is it grammatically correct to say "more dense"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "More" is used to form the comparative degree of the adjective "dense", indicating a higher level of density.