more tender

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more tender" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the tenderness of two or more things, often in the context of food, emotions, or physical sensations. Example: "The steak was more tender than I expected, melting in my mouth with every bite."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Still more tender pause.

The New York Times

I found it more tender.

The New York Times

The hen was juicier and more tender.

The New York Times

"Some are more tender than others.

The New York Times

But Ohio needs more tender handling.

The New York Times

This is one of their more tender exchanges.

The New York Times - Books

For then he would not feel a more tender emotion.

The New Yorker

(It was delicious, more tender than you might expect).

The Guardian - Tech

Yet they do, at ever more tender ages.

The New York Times - Style

Littlenecks are the younger, smaller, more tender version of cherrystones.

The New York Times - Food

Two or three small ones might have been more tender.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing food, use "more tender" to indicate a preferable texture, suggesting it's easier to chew and more pleasant to eat. For example, "slow cooking makes the meat "more tender"".

Common error

Avoid using "more tender" too frequently when describing emotions, as it can sometimes sound cliché or overly sentimental. Consider using "more compassionate" or "gentler" to convey nuanced feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more tender" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to describe something that possesses a greater degree of tenderness when compared to something else. Ludwig AI provides ample examples of this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

27%

Science

13%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more tender" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative adjective phrase that expresses a greater degree of tenderness. Ludwig AI indicates that it is versatile, appearing in diverse contexts ranging from describing food texture to emotional nuances. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's important to be mindful of potential overuse, especially in emotional contexts, where alternatives like "more compassionate" or "gentler" might provide more nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kinder

Uses a direct synonym to express increased kindness and gentleness.

gentler

Replaces "tender" with a simpler synonym, focusing on a milder quality.

softer

Similar to 'gentler', emphasizes the lack of resistance or firmness.

more delicate

Highlights the fragility and sensitivity of the subject.

more compassionate

Shifts the focus to emotional tenderness and empathy.

more lenient

Indicates a less strict or severe approach.

more yielding

Suggests a greater willingness to give way or compromise.

more merciful

Emphasizes a greater degree of forgiveness and kindness.

more mild

Focuses on a lack of harshness or intensity.

more sympathetic

Highlights a greater understanding and sharing of feelings.

FAQs

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

You can use "more tender" to compare the tenderness of two or more things, such as "This cut of meat is "more tender" than the other" or "Her words were "more tender" than usual".

What is a good alternative to "more tender" when describing food?

When describing food, alternatives to "more tender" include "more succulent", "more delicate", or "easier to chew", depending on the specific quality you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "more tender" in formal writing?

Yes, "more tender" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when comparing qualities objectively. However, consider the context and whether a more precise term like "more vulnerable" or "more compassionate" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "more tender" and "more soft"?

"More tender" generally refers to something being easier to cut or chew, often used for food, while "more soft" refers to a lack of firmness. For example, you might say meat is "more tender", while a pillow is "more soft".