more shaky than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more shaky than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the stability or reliability of two things, indicating that one is less stable than the other. Example: "The bridge felt more shaky than I expected, making me question its safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

At some Catholic universities, students graduate with their religious faith more shaky than when they arrive".

The New York Times

He was not even a year old and was already trying to stand, although his father said that during those last few days he seemed more shaky than normal.

The New York Times

After I installed the mouse software, the infamously unstable Windows 98 operating system on my computer become noticeably more shaky than usual, and eventually the software that supports my D.S.L. connection began to cause grief.

The New York Times - Tech

"There's been a bombing at the Sorbonne," Yann informed us all, in an admittedly shaky voice but no more shaky than the one he'd used, week after week, to talk about his fear of bay windows and open water.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

As of June 30, Freddie Mac holds more than $80 billion in mortgage securities backed by more shaky home loans like subprime mortgages, Option ARM and Alt-A loans.

The New York Times

No more shaky hand.

The New York Times

More (shaky) details over at Develop.

TechCrunch

Now, things are looking a bit more shaky.

Huffington Post

And given that the United States still reliably makes up a quarter of the world's gasoline market, far more than shaky China, the only sure bet for OPEC remains that great American pastime: gas guzzling.

The Economist

There were academics at Cornell University who were questioning the scientific foundation of the original ban (it turned out to be more than shaky) and fruit growers who were looking into alternative crops.

The New York Times

Given AOL's more than shaky recent history in handling private user information, the last thing we want to see is users giving access to more data to AOL.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more shaky than" to emphasize a heightened sense of uncertainty or instability. This works well when highlighting a change or decline in stability.

Common error

While "more shaky than" is acceptable, it may sound less formal in certain professional or academic settings. Consider using alternatives like "less stable than" or "more precarious than" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more shaky than" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to compare the degree of instability, uncertainty, or unreliability between two subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more shaky than" is a grammatically correct and understandable comparative phrase used to describe a relative lack of stability or reliability. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is acceptable in written English. While its frequency is rare, its usage is most common in news and media contexts. For more formal or technical settings, consider alternatives like "less stable than" or "more unstable than". When using this phrase, ensure the comparison is clear and the context is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more unstable than

Uses a direct synonym for "shaky", emphasizing lack of stability.

less stable than

Reverses the comparison, focusing on stability instead of shakiness.

more precarious than

Suggests a higher degree of risk and uncertainty.

more unreliable than

Focuses on the lack of dependability or trustworthiness.

less secure than

Highlights a relative lack of safety or stability.

more wobbly than

Implies physical instability or lack of firmness.

more doubtful than

Shifts the focus to uncertainty and skepticism.

more questionable than

Indicates that something is open to doubt or dispute.

more fragile than

Highlights the delicateness and vulnerability.

more tentative than

Emphasizes the experimental and uncertain nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "more shaky than" to compare the stability or reliability of two things. For example, "His voice was "more shaky than" usual."

What's a formal alternative to "more shaky than"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "less stable than", "more unstable than", or "more precarious than".

Is "shaky" appropriate for describing abstract concepts?

Yes, "shaky" can describe both physical and abstract instability. You can use it for arguments, economies, or relationships. For example, "The foundation of their argument was "more shaky than" it initially appeared."

What nuances does "more shaky than" convey compared to "less stable than"?

"More shaky than" often implies a sense of wavering or trembling, suggesting a lack of firmness or confidence, while "less stable than" focuses more broadly on the absence of steadiness or security. The choice depends on the specific context and the intended emphasis.