much less delicate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "much less delicate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare two things, indicating that one is significantly less delicate than the other. Example: "This fabric is much less delicate than the silk we used last time, making it more suitable for everyday wear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Mr. Kass was much less delicate.

The New York Times

Many parents feel they simply cannot talk with their teenagers about things like sexually transmitted diseases, much less delicate topics like sexual desire.

The New York Times - Health

And often in a much less delicate way.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It would have rebounded into the sand and presented him with a much easier shot, less delicate than the one he faced as his round neared its end yesterday.

Independent

No less delicate is the question of how much intelligence and defence-industrial expertise the European partners will share with one another.

The Economist

The beer was not unlike a Pilsener in color, but the taste was much less bitter, with a nice grassy note in the mouth and a delicate fruitiness to the finish.

The New York Times - Travel

Rembrandt's "notions of the delicate forms of women would have frightened an arctic bear", snarked a much less distinguished painter, Benjamin Robert Haydon (1786-1846).

The Guardian - Film

The rationale: a robust zinfandel was much less likely to be affected by a faint trace of detergent, real or imagined, than a delicate Burgundy.

The New York Times - Food

But the process can appear less delicate.

The New Yorker

But their sensibilities are notably less delicate.

The New York Times - Books

Much, much, much, much less perfect.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing items, use "much less delicate" to highlight a notable difference in resilience or robustness. This implies one item can withstand more stress or handling than the other.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "much less delicate" can sound informal in some formal settings. Opt for phrases like "significantly more robust" or "considerably more resilient" in professional or academic writing to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "much less delicate" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating that it possesses a lower degree of delicacy compared to something else. Ludwig examples show its use in describing the robustness of materials or approaches.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "much less delicate" is a grammatically correct comparative adjective phrase used to emphasize a difference in robustness or sensitivity. Ludwig confirms that it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. While acceptable in general writing, more formal alternatives may be preferred in professional or academic settings. It's crucial to choose the right wording based on the context and desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

far less fragile

Emphasizes reduced vulnerability to damage.

considerably sturdier

Highlights enhanced robustness or strength.

significantly tougher

Focuses on increased resistance to stress or force.

noticeably more resilient

Draws attention to improved ability to recover from adverse conditions.

markedly more durable

Stresses long-lasting quality and resistance to wear and tear.

appreciably more robust

Emphasizes overall strength and healthiness.

substantially more hearty

Suggests enhanced vigor and resistance to hardship.

distinctly less sensitive

Indicates a reduced reaction to external stimuli or influences.

measurably less refined

Focuses on a reduction in sophistication or elegance.

appreciably less intricate

Highlights a reduction in complexity or detail.

FAQs

How can I use "much less delicate" in a sentence?

You can use "much less delicate" to compare two items where one is significantly more durable. For example, "This fabric is "much less delicate" than silk, making it suitable for everyday use".

What are some alternatives to saying "much less delicate"?

Alternatives include phrases like "far less fragile", "considerably sturdier", or "significantly tougher", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "much less delicate"?

Yes, "much less delicate" is grammatically correct and understandable. It's used to indicate a significant difference in the fragility or sensitivity of two things.

In what contexts is "much less delicate" most appropriate?

"Much less delicate" is suitable for general comparisons. In formal or scientific contexts, more precise terms like "more robust" or "more resilient" might be preferred.