more efficiently than

USAGE SUMMARY

"more efficiently than" is perfectly correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to compare two things and show that one of them operates with greater efficiency than the other. For example: "We can finish the project more efficiently than our competitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They're operating more efficiently than other data centers," he says.

MIT Technology Review

Most charities handle money more efficiently than the public thinks.

The New York Times

They provide protein 30 times more efficiently than cattle.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The state raises revenues more efficiently than it spends them.

The Economist

Biodiesel burns cleaner and more efficiently than petroleum-based fuels.

The New York Times

Why? Their cells remove damaged proteins more efficiently than ours.

The New York Times - Arts

After all, nothing can ruin a good adventure more efficiently than ease.

The New York Times - Books

The H1N1 virus itself grows more efficiently than some past flu strains.

The New York Times

We spy upon them much more efficiently than you will ever be able to.

The Guardian - Tech

"We can do things faster and more efficiently than in other countries.

The New York Times

The thinking, according to analysts, is that one company can run ITV more efficiently than two.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider alternatives like "with greater efficiency" for a more sophisticated tone.

Common error

Avoid using "more efficiently than" when the context requires a different type of comparison, such as effectiveness or speed. Efficiency specifically relates to resource utilization, not necessarily overall success or timeliness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more efficiently than" serves as an adverbial phrase of comparison, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a higher degree of efficiency in one action or process compared to another. Ludwig shows it’s a common and correct construction for comparing efficiency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

32%

Science

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more efficiently than" is a grammatically correct and very common comparative phrase used to emphasize the superior use of resources by one entity or process relative to another. According to Ludwig, its usage spans across news, academic, and scientific domains, maintaining a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. When using the phrase, clearly define the metric being compared to avoid ambiguity and ensure that efficiency, rather than effectiveness or speed, is the central focus. Consider options like "more effectively than" or "more productively than" if your comparison is more about the outcome rather than resource use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more effectively than

Focuses on the degree of effectiveness rather than just efficiency.

more productively than

Emphasizes output and results achieved.

with greater efficiency than

Rephrases using a noun form of "efficiency".

in a more efficient manner than

Adds formality by using "manner".

better optimized than

Highlights the optimization aspect.

more economically than

Stresses cost-effectiveness.

more seamlessly than

Focuses on smoothness and ease of operation.

more smoothly than

Similar to 'seamlessly', suggesting an absence of problems.

more expediently than

Highlights speed and convenience.

to a greater extent than

More general and less specific to efficiency.

FAQs

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

Use "more efficiently than" to compare how well two different processes, systems, or entities use resources. For instance, "Solar panels convert sunlight into energy "more efficiently than" traditional power plants".

What phrases are similar to "more efficiently than"?

Similar phrases include "more effectively than", "more productively than", or "with greater efficiency than", depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it correct to say "more efficient than" instead of "more efficiently than"?

While "more efficient than" is grammatically correct, it modifies a noun, while "more efficiently than" modifies a verb or action. For example, "This engine is more efficient than that one" (describing the engine), versus "This engine runs "more efficiently than" that one" (describing how it runs).

How does "more efficiently than" differ from "more effectively than"?

"More efficiently than" focuses on resource utilization and minimizing waste, while "more effectively than" emphasizes achieving the desired outcome or result. A process can be efficient but not effective, and vice-versa.