more frail than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more frail than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the fragility or weakness of one thing to another. Example: "After the illness, she felt more frail than ever before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Catherine DeLorme is 88 and more frail than Mrs. Covatti.

The New York Times

I lean toward the second camp, but looking at some of China's recent behavior I'm beginning to wonder: Maybe your system is more frail than I thought?

The New York Times

Dr. Segev suggested that caregivers, family members and maybe the patients perceived older women to be more frail than they really are.

The New York Times - Health

Wall Street wobbled on Tuesday amid indications that the global economy, particularly the banking sector, might be more frail than investors had believed.

The New York Times

In fact, the same research also suggests that Tut, who came to power at 9 (perhaps 1332 B.C). and died before he was 20, was more frail than had been imagined.

The New York Times - Arts

But care homes do have proportionately more of them because there's a higher risk of them occurring there because their residents are more frail than the general population," she said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Her delicate voice seems more fragile than frail, and her face reflects the delight of a little girl who knows she's pleasing the grown-ups.

The New York Times

Some are alone, and seem more frail and miserable than the others.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Groucho was slumped on a couch looking more frail and papery than I had ever seen him.

The New York Times

Sitting upright between two guards, Mr. Mladic, 70, looked more frail and aged than the burly soldier he once was, a power-strutting commander who inspired deep terror among Bosnian Muslims and Croats and great admiration in Serbia.

The New York Times

The teenager confided to the group that her baby had also died, and soon after returned to the forum to announce she was again pregnant and feared her baby would be premature, which it turned out to be, more frail this time than the first.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more frail than", ensure the comparison is clear and specific. For example, instead of saying "He is more frail than before", specify "He is more frail than he was last year after the surgery".

Common error

Avoid using "more frail than" in vague or overly broad statements. For instance, saying "Older people are more frail than younger people" is a generalization. Instead, focus on individual comparisons or specific groups within those categories.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more frail than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to indicate that one subject possesses a greater degree of frailty compared to another. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

38%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more frail than" is a grammatically sound and commonly used comparative adjective phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and analysis reveals its prevalence in both News & Media and Scientific contexts. It serves to compare the degree of frailty between two subjects, often relating to physical condition, vulnerability, or resilience. While its usage spans various formality levels, it maintains a generally neutral register. When using this phrase, clarity and specificity are key to avoid overgeneralizations and ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less robust than

Indicates a lower level of physical strength or health compared to something else.

more delicate than

Emphasizes the fineness or sensitivity of something in comparison.

more vulnerable than

Highlights an increased susceptibility to harm or damage.

weaker compared to

A straightforward comparison of reduced strength.

not as resilient as

Focuses on the reduced ability to recover from difficulties.

in poorer health than

Directly addresses a comparative state of health.

less sturdy than

Indicates a lack of robustness or firmness.

more susceptible than

Highlights an increased likelihood of being affected by something negative.

not as vigorous as

Focuses on reduced energy and vitality.

in a more weakened condition than

Emphasizes the reduced state of strength or health.

FAQs

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

You can use "more frail than" to compare the fragility or weakness of one subject to another. For example, "The elderly patient was "more frail than" his younger counterpart".

What are some alternatives to saying "more frail than"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "less robust than", "more delicate than", or "more vulnerable than".

Is it correct to say "frailer than" instead of "more frail than"?

While "frailer than" is grammatically valid, "more frail than" is often preferred in formal writing because it avoids the potential awkwardness of directly comparing adjectives with the -er suffix.

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

While both terms relate to weakness, "frail" often implies a decline in health or strength due to age or illness, whereas "fragile" typically refers to something that is easily broken or damaged. You might say someone is "more frail than" they used to be, but a glass is "more fragile than" a rock.