more indistinct than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more indistinct than" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when comparing the clarity or distinctness of two or more things. Example: "The outline of the mountain was more indistinct than the one we saw yesterday." Alternative expressions include "less clear than" and "more vague than."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

For some reason, some of the dialogue is actually subtitled, in sections which don't seem any more indistinct than the rest of the film, and Martin Compston's character often seems a little superfluous.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The journey outwards – and inwards – continues apace; if anything, America seems to have grown more indistinct and unreal in the camera's gaze of late, more David Lynch than Robert Frank.

The Guardian - Books

"The Good Samaritan" is more indistinct or broad and thus more problematic.

BMC Health Services Research

The benefit of SA for patients with intermittent claudication is more indistinct.

CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology

Although the patient had received neither anticancer treatment nor any other medications, the lesion was smaller and more indistinct.

BMC Gastroenterology

On the other hand, as time elapses after contrast agent administration, the periphery of the lesion may become more indistinct.

Cancer Imaging

The electrical shutter fired so fast that it captured in startling detail images of animals in motion that had formerly appeared in photographs as little more than indistinct blurs.

The New York Times

At first glance, it looks like nothing more than junk: an indistinct jumble of blue tarps, salvaged wood and corrugated metal on a hill with sweeping views of the Hudson River and Manhattan.

The New York Times

The strategy may unnerve rivals that expected the company to be chastened by the government's anti-trust case.MONEY & BUSINESS The Soupy Melting Pot With no big issue like recession or incumbency shaping the 2000 race, the electorate seems more than ever an indistinct montage of contending groups.

The New York Times

More public than private employees found indistinct organisation and conflicts to be high.

BMC Public Health

With no big issue like war, recession or incumbency to give the 2000 race some shape, America looks more than ever like an indistinct montage of contending groups -- some new, some old standbys.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more indistinct than", ensure that the items being compared share a common attribute of clarity or definition for the comparison to be meaningful.

Common error

Avoid using "more indistinct than" to compare items that do not inherently possess properties of clarity or distinctness. For instance, comparing the taste of an apple to the shape of a cloud using this phrase would be illogical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more indistinct than" serves as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by comparing its level of distinctness to that of another noun. Ludwig AI validates that this usage aligns with standard English grammar.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more indistinct than" is a grammatically correct and neutrally-registered comparative phrase used to express a lower level of distinctness when comparing two subjects. It appears most frequently in news and scientific contexts. While not exceptionally common, Ludwig AI indicates that it is perfectly acceptable in standard English. Consider using alternatives like "less clear than" or "more vague than" for simpler phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less distinct than

This alternative uses "less" instead of "more" and "distinct" instead of "indistinct", creating a direct antonym comparison.

less clear than

This option replaces "indistinct" with "clear", focusing on the lack of clarity rather than the absence of distinctness.

more blurred than

This alternative uses "blurred" to suggest a lack of sharp definition, similar to "indistinct".

more vague than

Here, "vague" replaces "indistinct" to indicate a lack of specificity or precision.

more obscure than

This alternative suggests that something is hidden or not easily perceived, akin to being indistinct.

more ill-defined than

This option emphasizes the lack of clear boundaries or definition.

less sharply defined than

This alternative highlights the absence of sharp definition, providing a more descriptive comparison.

more ambiguous than

This suggests that something is open to multiple interpretations, resembling a lack of clear distinctness.

more muffled than

This alternative conveys a sense of being subdued or lacking clarity, similar to "indistinct", particularly in auditory contexts.

less precise than

This option focuses on the lack of exactness or accuracy, relating to the idea of something being indistinct.

FAQs

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

You can use "more indistinct than" to compare the clarity or distinctness of two or more things. For example: "The details in the old photograph were "more indistinct than" the ones in the new print."

What's a simpler way to say "more indistinct than"?

Alternatives include "less clear than" or "more vague than", depending on the specific context.

Is "more indistinct than" formal or informal?

"More indistinct than" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though simpler alternatives might be preferred in casual conversation.

What is the difference between "more indistinct than" and "less distinct than"?

"More indistinct than" implies a greater degree of lack of clarity, while "less distinct than" implies a smaller degree of distinctness. They essentially convey the same comparison but from opposite perspectives.