more quietly

USAGE SUMMARY

"more quietly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something should be done or said at a quieter volume than before. For example: "I asked him to speak more quietly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Where?" "Here," she said even more quietly.

The New Yorker

Large companies have pushed back more quietly.

The New York Times

They talked more quietly after that.

The New York Times

So, Bareyev behaves more quietly.

The New York Times

Others are more quietly devastating.

The New Yorker

Black bison foraged more quietly.

The New York Times - Travel

Newcombe repeats himself, more quietly this time.

The Guardian - Film

Nicklaus's downtime was more quietly spent.

The Guardian - Sport

Drink less, and talk more quietly.

The Guardian - Opinion

Has it ever been more quietly danced?

The New York Times - Arts

Museum officials took the settlement more quietly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more quietly" to soften a command or suggestion, making it less direct and potentially more palatable to the listener.

Common error

Avoid using "more quietly" when a situation demands a stronger, more assertive tone. In emergency situations, for example, clarity and volume are more important than politeness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more quietly" primarily functions as an adverbial modifier. It modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb, indicating the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more quietly" functions as an adverbial modifier indicating a reduction in audibility or intensity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, especially within News & Media. When using "more quietly", consider whether a softer approach is appropriate for the situation, as there are times when a louder, more assertive tone is necessary. Consider alternative phrases like "less loudly" or "more subtly" to fine-tune your message. Overall, this is a valuable phrase for expressing politeness and discretion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less loudly

Indicates a decrease in the volume of sound, focusing on the auditory aspect.

at a lower volume

Directly relates to reducing the measured sound output.

in a softer voice

Specifically refers to the tone and volume of someone's speech.

in hushed tones

Emphasizes secrecy and a low volume of speech, often implying confidentiality.

with less intensity

Broadens the scope to include any action performed with reduced force or passion.

more subtly

Shifts the focus from sound to the manner of execution, suggesting a delicate approach.

more discreetly

Focuses on maintaining privacy and avoiding unwanted attention.

in a more subdued manner

Indicates a reduction in overall expressiveness or activity.

with greater restraint

Suggests a deliberate holding back of expression, not necessarily related to sound.

with less emphasis

Shifts the focus to de-emphasizing specific points, potentially through reduced volume or intensity.

FAQs

How can I use "more quietly" in a sentence?

You can use "more quietly" to describe an action done with less noise, such as "Please speak "more quietly" in the library" or "The engine ran "more quietly" after the repair".

What is a similar phrase to "more quietly"?

Alternatives to "more quietly" include "less loudly", "in a softer voice", or "more subtly", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to ask someone to speak "more quietly"?

While generally polite, asking someone to speak "more quietly" might not be suitable in emergencies or situations where clear and loud communication is essential.

Can "more quietly" be used for things other than sound?

Yes, while often used regarding sound, "more quietly" can also describe actions done with less intensity or fanfare, implying a subdued or less conspicuous approach, similar to "more discreetly".