more flimsy than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more flimsy than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the fragility or lack of strength of one object or idea to another. Example: "The new phone case is more flimsy than the previous model, offering less protection against drops."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"We think support for the euro is more flimsy than opinion polls suggest," Oxford Economics said.

The Guardian

It is hard to get any more flimsy than a senior unnamed Indian official from Maharashtra talking about the cost of an Asian trip by the American president.

The New York Times

As Purnell seems to know, come the aftermath of Labour's probable defeat, the old politics of One More Heave will feel more flimsy than ever.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I was just asked previously about a whole host of issues and associations that are a lot more flimsy than John McCain's relationship to Keating Five, Mr. Obamaa said.

The New York Times

UPDATE Well, Sony just said they don't comment on rumors, and no rumor is more flimsy than a football rumor.

TechCrunch

Snowden's basis for this claim seems more flimsy than past revelations (it doesn't seem like he has documents to back it up), and it is based on the word of one source.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Length: 4min 29sec Word count: 511 Words a second: 1.9 We had high hopes for Billy's sterling contribution to the unfairly maligned "shopping list record" genre, but he proves to be an even more flimsy performer than REM.

The Guardian - Music

GAZA — A missile hit their uncle's house, which was made of concrete and so, the Basal family had thought in taking refuge there, safer than their more flimsy one.

The New York Times

Most of the time, however, the claim is looser and more flimsy.

The Economist

Transparencies are slightly more flimsy.

WikiHow

It'll last longer and therefore justifies its manufacture over the more flimsy versions.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more flimsy than", ensure the comparison is clear and that the items being compared are of the same general category. For example, compare two phone cases, not a phone case and an idea.

Common error

Avoid using "more flimsy than" to compare tangible objects with abstract concepts. For example, instead of saying 'His argument was more flimsy than paper', try 'His argument was less convincing than I expected'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more flimsy than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to describe something that has less substance or is less robust compared to something else. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "more flimsy than" is a grammatically sound and relatively common comparative phrase used to describe something lacking strength or substance in relation to something else. Ludwig's analysis, confirmed by various examples, shows its primary function is to highlight a deficiency in robustness, often in a neutral register. While not extremely prevalent, its use is valid and clear, as confirmed by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less robust than

Focuses on the lack of strength or durability.

weaker compared to

Highlights the diminished power or resilience.

more fragile than

Emphasizes the susceptibility to damage or breakage.

less substantial than

Indicates a lack of significant content or material.

more delicate than

Suggests a higher degree of refinement, but also vulnerability.

less stable than

Highlights the lack of firmness or security.

more shaky than

Implies unreliability or lack of certainty.

less sound than

Focuses on the lack of solidness or strength.

more precarious than

Stresses the uncertainty and risk involved.

less durable than

Highlights the reduced lifespan or resistance to wear.

FAQs

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

You can use "more flimsy than" to compare the lack of strength or durability of one thing to another. For example: "The new fence is "more flimsy than" the old one, and won't hold up in a storm."

What is a good alternative to the phrase "more flimsy than"?

Alternatives to "more flimsy than" include "less robust than", "weaker compared to", or "more fragile than", depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use "more flimsy than". The phrase follows standard comparative grammar rules and is widely understood.

When should I use "more fragile than" instead of "more flimsy than"?

Use "more fragile than" when referring to something that is easily broken or damaged. Use "more flimsy than" when referring to something that lacks solidity or is poorly constructed but not necessarily easily broken. While both words convey a lack of strength, "fragile" emphasizes the potential for breakage.