more thinly than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more thinly than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the distribution or application of something in a less dense or less concentrated manner than another reference point. Example: "The paint was applied more thinly than the previous coat, resulting in a lighter finish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Cohen's men parse their existence more thinly than a slice of good prosciutto that they might eat at a dinner party they'd rather not be attending.

The New York Times - Books

One quick tip: don't discard the stems - just slice them more thinly than the green parts, they are actually sweeter than the leaf.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Lt. Col. Gregory F. Sierra, a battalion commander with the Army's Third Infantry Division, recently compared the evolution of the American war effort to spreading peanut butter on the sandwiches he makes for his daughter back home more thinly than she wanted.

The New York Times

The move to hear the case, driven by the justices who eventually ruled in Mr. Bush's favor, foreshadowed and helped shape the later division on the court, a division that the intervening unanimous decision papered over even more thinly than it appeared to at the time.

The New York Times

They tend to be applied more thinly than other creams too.

BBC

"Less regarded in the world, stretched more thinly than we ever have been in the past, two wars under way, virtually no respect in entire parts of the world".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

This is a comparative claim (it is more thinly populated than many realists suppose) rather than a claim about cardinality.

SEP

European banks are on the front lines, vulnerable because they are more thinly capitalized than their American counterparts.

The New York Times

Barclays raised £4.5 billion ($9 billion) in June, but is still more thinly capitalised than many of its peers.

The Economist

The initial reaction from investors in London was more muted as traders suggested the report was highly speculative and said the Hong Kong-listed shares are more thinly traded than in London, leaving them more open to sharp price swings.

Independent

Coal miners are mostly more thinly capitalised than other energy firms, and thus more vulnerable to divestment campaigns aimed at cutting off fossil-fuel producers' access to capital markets.Environmentalists rejoice at this.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the application of a substance, consider whether "less thickly than" might be more precise, especially when discussing physical layers or coatings. For abstract concepts, "more sparsely than" may better convey distribution.

Common error

Avoid using "more thinly than" when comparing abstract concepts like arguments or excuses. Opt for phrases like "less convincingly than" or "less persuasively than" for a more accurate representation of the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more thinly than" functions as an adverbial phrase of comparison, modifying a verb by indicating the degree to which an action is performed in relation to another. It establishes a contrast in terms of density or distribution. Ludwig AI validates the grammatical correctness of "more thinly than".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

29%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more thinly than" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for comparing the degree to which something is spread out or distributed. While not extremely common, its use is well-established across various domains, particularly in news, science, and general reference contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Alternative phrases like "less thickly than" or "more sparsely than" may offer greater precision depending on the specific context. Be mindful of avoiding its use in inappropriately abstract comparisons where other options might be preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less thickly than

Emphasizes the reduced thickness in comparison to something else.

more sparsely than

Highlights a lower density or scattered distribution.

more lightly than

Focuses on a reduced intensity or weight of application.

less densely than

Indicates a lower concentration in comparison.

to a lesser extent than

Broadly conveys a reduced degree or scope.

more diffusedly than

Suggests a wider spreading or dispersion.

more delicately than

Implies a finer or more subtle application.

more faintly than

Highlights a weaker or less pronounced presence.

more shallowly than

Indicates a lesser depth or penetration.

in smaller quantities than

Emphasizes a reduced amount or volume.

FAQs

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

Use "more thinly than" to compare the degree to which something is spread out or applied. For example, "The butter was spread "more thinly than" usual."

What is a good alternative to "more thinly than"?

Alternatives include phrases like "less thickly than", "more sparsely than", or "more lightly than" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "more thinly than"?

Yes, "more thinly than" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe a less dense or less concentrated application or distribution when compared to something else. Ludwig AI confirms this as well.

What is the difference between "more thinly than" and "less thickly than"?

"More thinly than" and "less thickly than" are essentially interchangeable. Both describe a reduced thickness or density. The choice often depends on stylistic preference or emphasis.