more intractable than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more intractable than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the difficulty or stubbornness of two subjects, indicating that one is more difficult to manage or resolve than the other. Example: "The issue of climate change is more intractable than we initially thought, requiring urgent and innovative solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Some bumps are larger, bolder and more intractable than others.

The New York Times - Sports

However, the political problems with missile defense may prove even more intractable than the technical ones.

The New York Times - Magazine

The crisis in euroland may or may not be more intractable than the "Schengen" crisis.

Independent

With the arrival of Pakistan's new civilian government last February, the situation seems more intractable than ever.

The New York Times

Praising the peace process, Obama said: Few conflicts seemed more intractable than the one here in Northern Ireland.

The Guardian

The problems faced by papers appear far more intractable than anything Thompson had to deal with at the BBC.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Oddly, this is a more intractable problem than transmission at birth.

The Economist

Achieving humanistic management has thus turned out to be a much more intractable problem than most thought leaders expected it to be.

Harvard Business Review

The extent of agricultural waste could prove a more intractable problem than that of the many factories dumping effluent into China's rivers and lakes.

The New York Times

The economy has been in worse shape before in Oregon -- the recession in the early 80's devastated the timber towns -- but the budget problems seem more intractable now than they've been in living memory.

The New York Times

Economists at Bank of America and Capital Economics wrote on Friday that the focus on President Obama's health care legislation makes the positions of both sides more intractable now than they have been during other budget fights.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more intractable than" to compare issues or problems and emphasize the comparative difficulty of resolving them.

Common error

Avoid using "more intractable than" without a clear comparison. For example, instead of saying 'The problem is more intractable', specify what it is more intractable than. This provides context and strengthens your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more intractable than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, typically used to indicate that one situation, problem, or issue is proving more difficult to manage or resolve than another. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more intractable than" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative construction. As Ludwig AI underlines, it's suitable for comparing the relative difficulty or resistance of two different subjects, primarily appearing in news, academic, and scientific contexts. For effective usage, ensure a clear comparison is present and avoid using the phrase in absolute terms. Alternatives such as "more difficult to resolve than" or "more challenging than" can be considered for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more difficult to resolve than

Focuses on the difficulty in finding a solution.

more challenging than

Highlights the level of challenge involved.

more stubborn than

Emphasizes the unyielding nature of the subject.

harder to manage than

Emphasizes the difficulty in controlling or handling something.

more unyielding than

Stresses the inflexibility of the situation.

more resistant to change than

Indicates a stronger opposition to modification.

less amenable to solution than

Highlights a reduced likelihood of finding a resolution.

more firmly entrenched than

Implies a strong and stable position, making it hard to displace.

more deeply rooted than

Suggests that the problem is embedded and difficult to remove.

more deeply ingrained than

Refers to something that is firmly fixed and difficult to alter.

FAQs

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

Use "more intractable than" to compare two different problems or situations, highlighting that one is proving more difficult to handle or resolve compared to the other. For example, 'Dealing with the supply chain issues has become "more intractable than" we initially anticipated'.

What are some alternatives to using "more intractable than"?

Alternatives include "more difficult to resolve than", "more challenging than", or "harder to manage than". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. See also "more difficult to resolve than" and "more challenging than".

Is it always necessary to explicitly state what something is "more intractable than"?

Yes, for clarity and precision, it's best to explicitly state what you are comparing. Avoiding vague comparisons makes your writing stronger and easier to understand. For example, instead of "the problem is more intractable", specify "the problem is "more intractable than" we thought it would be".

What makes a problem or situation "more intractable than" another?

A problem may be "more intractable than" another if it involves more complex factors, lacks clear solutions, faces stronger resistance, or has deeper roots. The causes are very specific to the issue at hand and may require detailed explanation.