more palatable than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more palatable than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing two things, indicating that one is more acceptable or agreeable than the other. Example: "The new policy is more palatable than the previous one, making it easier for employees to adapt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's more palatable than it sounds.

The Economist

That sounds more palatable than $315m.

The Economist

Why is war more palatable than more refugees?

The Guardian - Opinion

That is more palatable than the puritanical alternative: giving up meat and other thirsty products altogether.

The Economist

For the government, cashing in could be more palatable than yet more borrowing.

The New York Times

Helping the jobless may be more palatable than bailing out feckless states.

The Economist

Birther or Kenyan influence may sound more palatable than "racial epithets," he notes.

The New York Times

Some of this book's investigatory sojourns are far more palatable than others.

The New York Times - Books

Officials hope the legislation will be more palatable than a presidential declaration.

The New York Times

Such an arrangement might be more palatable than a full-blown collectivisation of the debt.

The Guardian - Business

This would solve many of the problems with people living here illegally, but might be politically more palatable than citizenship.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing options, use "more palatable than" to suggest that one is easier to accept or agree with, especially when dealing with potentially controversial or difficult choices.

Common error

Avoid using "more palatable than" when simply indicating a general preference without implying that the less palatable option is difficult to accept. Instead, use "more enjoyable" or "more preferred".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more palatable than" serves as a comparative adjective phrase. It's primary function is to indicate that one option or situation is easier to accept or tolerate compared to another. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more palatable than" is a versatile comparative phrase used to indicate that one option is easier to accept or tolerate compared to another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media, and Scientific contexts. When using this phrase, consider the subtle nuance it conveys: a preference based on ease of acceptance, not necessarily a stronger liking. Choose related phrases such as "more agreeable than" or "more acceptable than" depending on the specific context. Use the best practices provided in this guide to help avoid common mistakes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more agreeable than

Focuses on the pleasantness or agreeability of one option compared to another.

more acceptable than

Highlights the greater acceptability of one option, often in a social or ethical context.

more preferable than

Emphasizes a stronger liking or preference for one thing over another.

easier to swallow than

Uses a metaphor to suggest that one option is easier to accept or believe.

better received than

Indicates that one option has been met with more positive reactions than another.

more welcome than

Stresses the greater desirability or welcome nature of one option.

more pleasing than

Highlights the greater aesthetic or sensory appeal of one option.

more inviting than

Focuses on the attractiveness or allure of one option over another.

more attractive than

Indicates a greater appeal in terms of aesthetics or desirability.

more delightful than

Emphasizes the greater joy or pleasure derived from one option.

FAQs

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

Use "more palatable than" to compare two options, indicating that one is easier to accept or agree with. For example: "The compromise was "more palatable than" a complete shutdown of negotiations".

What phrases are similar to "more palatable than"?

Similar phrases include "more agreeable than", "more acceptable than", or "more preferable than". Each carries a slightly different nuance related to acceptability or preference.

Is "more palatable than" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "more palatable than" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing strategies, negotiations, or policies. It suggests a pragmatic acceptance rather than a strong endorsement.

When should I avoid using "more palatable than"?

Avoid using "more palatable than" when the difference between options is simply one of preference without any difficulty in accepting the other. In such cases, phrases like "more enjoyable than" or "more appealing than" might be better choices.