more lightly than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more lightly than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the degree of lightness or gentleness in actions or descriptions. Example: "She handled the fragile vase more lightly than I expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

America already taxes petrol far more lightly than other developed countries do.

The Economist

However, the liberals got off much more lightly than they had feared.

The New Yorker

For high-income earners, capital gains are already taxed more lightly than income.

The Economist

Twenty-eleven trips off the tongue far more lightly than does two thousand and eleven.

The New York Times

Being trans has taught me to tread more lightly than my old friend.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yet it plays its hand so much more lightly than that suggests.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

The Sea Beggar commander, Admiral Kornelius Dirkszoon, had five fewer ships than the Spanish, and they were smaller and more lightly armed than the Spanish vessels.

Britannica

Unlike Monroe, she ended the numbers far more lightly attired than when she began.

The New York Times - Arts

As such, gains on wealth are more lightly taxed than earned income.

The Guardian - Business

That matters, because ships are much more lightly regulated than aircraft.The SeaFalcon is really a ground-effect vehicle.

The Economist

For most of its relatively brief existence, Silicon Valley has been more lightly regulated than almost any other major industry.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more lightly than", ensure that the comparison is clear and that the context supports the idea of a reduced burden, impact, or severity. For example, 'He treated the criticism "more lightly than" she expected' conveys a sense of his relaxed attitude.

Common error

Avoid using "more lightly than" in contexts where a different comparison, such as 'less seriously than' or 'more efficiently than', would be more appropriate. Ensure the comparison accurately reflects the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

"More lightly than" functions as a comparative adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or adjective, indicating a lesser degree or intensity of an action or characteristic compared to something else. Ludwig examples show usage in describing how things are handled or perceived.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

7%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more lightly than" is a versatile comparative phrase used to express a difference in degree or intensity. Grammatically sound and prevalent across numerous sources, it indicates a gentler or less severe approach. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and wide applicability, particularly in news, encyclopedic content, and scientific discourse. When employing this phrase, consider the context to ensure you are accurately conveying the reduced burden, impact, or severity you intend. Alternatives include "less heavily than" or "more gently than", offering nuanced options based on the specific comparison you wish to draw.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more gently than

Highlights the tenderness or carefulness of an action in comparison.

with a lighter touch than

Emphasizes delicacy and finesse in handling something.

less heavily than

Emphasizes a reduction in weight or impact compared to "more lightly than".

more casually than

Indicates a relaxed or informal approach in comparison.

more subtly than

Highlights the understated or indirect nature of an action or quality.

with less intensity than

Focuses on a lower degree of force or emotion rather than physical lightness.

more effortlessly than

Implies ease and lack of difficulty in comparison to another action.

to a lesser extent than

Indicates a smaller degree or scope of something compared to "more lightly than".

less burdened than

Focuses on a reduction in pressure or responsibility.

not as severely as

Shifts the comparison to the level of severity or strictness.

FAQs

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

You can use "more lightly than" to compare the degree to which something is treated or handled. For example, 'She took the news "more lightly than" I did'.

What are some alternatives to "more lightly than"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "more gently than", "less seriously than", or "to a lesser extent than".

Is it correct to say "more light than" instead of "more lightly than"?

No, "more light than" is different. "More lightly than" describes how something is done or treated, while "more light than" refers to a greater amount of illumination. They are not interchangeable.

What's the difference between "more lightly than" and "less seriously than"?

"More lightly than" suggests a gentler, less burdened approach, while "less seriously than" indicates a reduced level of concern or importance. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing manner or attitude.