not so crowded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not so crowded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a place or situation that is less busy or populated than expected or compared to another time or place. Example: "The park was not so crowded today, making it a perfect spot for a picnic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The streets were not so crowded anymore.

The New Yorker

"I hope it's not so crowded we can't go".

The New York Times

Likes that Montana is still not so crowded.

The New York Times

Research also shows that that more densely populated cities are more carbon and energy efficient, in per capita terms, than cities that are not so crowded.

The Guardian

For Mr. Huntsman, the message was also part of a broader strategy to stake out a part of the Republican primary field that is not so crowded: the moderate part.

The New York Times

In 1949, when the Metropolitan Museum was not so crowded, he took a photograph of a bronze statue of Diana firing her bow at a lone man retreating down an empty hall, and he has been checking out odd goings on in museums ever since.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The players would be adding body English to their thumbs if the train weren't so crowded.

The New York Times

The entertainment field wasn't so crowded.

Forbes

(Any server that isn't so crowded that you can't change your clothes. Choose a server where you can change your clothes).

WikiHow

Until you become familiar shopping with WIC assistance you may want to visit the store in the late evening or early morning when it isn't so crowded.

WikiHow

Erica Wilson, the English-born doyenne of American needle crafts, noted that classes in her Nantucket and Madison Avenue stores have not been so crowded since the mid-1980's.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a location, follow "not so crowded" with specific details, such as "making it easier to find a seat" or "allowing for a more relaxed experience".

Common error

Avoid using "not so crowded" when you actually mean "empty" or "deserted". The phrase implies a relative lack of people, not complete absence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not so crowded" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe its state of occupancy. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through various examples where it describes streets, museums, and other locations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

18%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not so crowded" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a location or situation with fewer people than expected. Ludwig AI analysis reveals it functions as an adjective phrase, modifying nouns and conveying information about density. Commonly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles. When aiming for clarity, avoid using it interchangeably with "empty", and instead focus on its nuanced implication of relative spaciousness. Consider alternatives like "less busy" or "more spacious" depending on the specific context you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as busy

Simple and direct alternative emphasizing reduced activity or volume.

less congested

Focuses on the reduction of blockage or impediment; emphasizes ease of movement.

less packed

Highlights the absence of a dense concentration of people or things.

less dense

Emphasizes a lower concentration of elements within a given area.

more spacious

Indicates a greater availability of space, indirectly suggesting fewer people.

sparsely populated

Highlights the low number of residents in a particular area.

ample room

Emphasizes the availability of physical space.

unhurried atmosphere

Describes a calm environment without the pressure of large crowds.

not overflowing

Suggests that a place is at a comfortable capacity, without exceeding its limits.

quieter scene

Highlights the absence of a large, active crowd.

FAQs

What does "not so crowded" mean?

The phrase "not so crowded" means that a place or situation has fewer people or less activity than usual or expected. It suggests a more comfortable and less congested environment.

How can I use "not so crowded" in a sentence?

You might say, "The beach was "not as busy" today, so we found a great spot near the water" or "I prefer visiting the museum on weekdays when it's "less packed"."

What's the difference between "not so crowded" and "empty"?

"Not so crowded" implies that there are still some people present, but the area is not overly congested. "Empty" suggests that there are very few or no people at all.

Are there any synonyms for "not so crowded"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "less congested", "less dense", or "quieter scene" to convey a similar meaning as "not so crowded".