more tightly

USAGE SUMMARY

"more tightly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "more tightly" when you want to compare two things that are being done to a higher degree. For example: "He clasped his hands together more tightly to show he was serious."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Airplane interiors are even more tightly regulated.

The New Yorker

Consumers are clutching their wallets more tightly.

The New York Times

"Dealer mark-ups are more tightly policed".

The New York Times

Local authorities are even more tightly restricted.

The Guardian

His fingers clutched her shoulder more tightly.

The New Yorker

Passengers are more tightly packed together.

The New York Times - Travel

Might regret not marking more tightly.

The Guardian - Sport

The waists became more tightly nipped.

The New York Times - Style

More tightly dramatised, less fanciful," he said.

The Guardian - Books

The ties that bind more tightly can pinch more tightly too.

The Economist

Mantel, with the novelist's license, draws the circle more tightly.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more tightly", ensure it logically connects to the verb it modifies. For example, "grip more tightly" makes sense, while "think more tightly" might require rephrasing.

Common error

Avoid using "more tightly" in contexts where a more abstract comparison is intended. For example, instead of saying "the concept is more tightly defined", consider alternatives like "the concept is more rigorously defined" or "the concept is defined more precisely".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more tightly" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier, indicating the comparative degree to which an action is performed. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is standard and appropriate. It enhances the description of how something is done, adding emphasis to the manner or intensity of the action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more tightly" functions as an adverbial phrase used to express a greater degree of intensity or restriction in how an action is performed. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, indicating its versatility across different registers, although it maintains a neutral tone. When using "more tightly", it's important to ensure it logically connects to the verb it modifies and to avoid using it in abstract contexts where a more precise term would be more appropriate. While common, alternatives like "more closely", "more securely", or "more firmly" may sometimes be more suitable depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more closely

Indicates a greater degree of nearness or connection.

more securely

Emphasizes a higher level of safety or stability.

more firmly

Suggests a stronger grip or bond.

more strictly

Highlights a stricter adherence to rules or standards.

more rigidly

Implies less flexibility or give.

with greater intensity

Focuses on the increased force or strength applied.

to a greater degree

A more general way of expressing an increased level.

more compactly

Indicates something is packed or arranged in a smaller space.

more comprehensively

Suggests a more thorough or complete approach.

with increased control

Highlights the aspect of having more command or authority.

FAQs

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

Use "more tightly" to describe an action performed with increased intensity or restriction. For example, "She held onto the railing "more tightly" during the storm".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "more tightly"?

Alternatives to "more tightly" include "more closely", "more securely", or "more firmly", depending on the specific context.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "more tightly"?

While grammatically correct, "more tightly" might sound awkward in certain abstract or figurative contexts. Choose a more appropriate adverb such as "more strictly" or "more comprehensively" for abstract ideas.

How does "more tightly" compare to "more closely" in meaning?

"More tightly" often implies physical restriction or intensity, while "more closely" suggests nearness or connection. "He held the rope "more tightly"" versus "He followed the instructions "more closely"".