paler

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "paler" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the lightness of color or complexion, typically in relation to something else. Example: "After spending a week indoors, her skin looked much paler than before."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Chicks are brown with white undersides, and juveniles are somewhat smaller than adults, possessing shorter, paler crests and paler chins.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Juveniles are somewhat smaller than adults, possessing shorter, paler crests and a paler chin, whereas chicks are brown with a dull white underside.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Designed by the Danish architecture and engineering firm Bystrup, the new pylon is about a third smaller than its predecessor; it is also paler and slimmer, and shares a certain aesthetic with wind turbines.

The Guardian

Some of the blackest spots on the corruption map are turning paler.

The Economist

And South Korean girls favour paler colours.In this section The grumpiness of the middle classes Scylla and Charybdis, or Patricia and Brussels Brighton rocks How green was my pampa Prayer and statistics No comment Pleas please me By George Kennedy's paradox ReprintsMr Davies is no longer involved with George.

The Economist

Now their attention has been drawn to paler arrivals who are often more disliked.

The Economist

Some are extracted directly from opium poppies (paler, as the picture shows, than the sort familiar in Europe and North America), which grow well in places such as Afghanistan and Turkey.

The Economist

In 2005 a dispute panel under Canada's Agreement on Internal Trade ruled that Quebec must remove its requirement that margarine sold in the province be a paler and less appetising colour than butter.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Paler against pale, Botticelli's Venus floats against a high sky that seems a condensation of ether, rather than transparent.

Independent

Zandvliet is surrounded by mountains that stretch off into the distance, " blue and pale blue and paler blue, like old bruises getting fainter on your body".

The Economist

Pale ale is less strong, less bitter, paler in colour, and clearer than porter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two items, use "paler" to indicate the item with less color intensity. For example: "The new paint was slightly paler than the original."

Common error

Avoid using "paler" in isolation without a reference point. It's a comparative adjective and requires something to be compared against for its meaning to be clear. For instance, instead of saying "The sky was paler", specify "The sky was paler than it had been yesterday."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "paler" is as a comparative adjective. It modifies a noun by describing it as having a lesser degree of paleness when compared to something else. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

23%

News & Media

65%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "paler" functions as a comparative adjective, used to describe something as being less intense in color compared to something else. It's grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While it's important to use "paler" with a clear reference point for comparison, the phrase finds frequent application in encyclopedias, news media, and scientific writing. For alternatives, consider "lighter" or "less vibrant" depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey. Remember to avoid using "paler" in isolation for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Lighter

Refers to a higher position on the color spectrum, indicating less darkness.

More faded

Emphasizes the loss of color intensity over time.

Less vibrant

Highlights the reduction in vividness or intensity of color.

More washed out

Suggests a lack of color due to dilution or fading.

Of a lighter shade

Formally indicates a less intense version of a color.

Less colorful

Describes something lacking in color or vibrancy.

More bleached

Indicates a color reduction as if by chemical treatment.

Ashen

Implies a greyish, pale color often associated with lifelessness.

Whitened

Suggests the addition of white to make something paler.

Palled

Describes a diminishment in color or attractiveness.

FAQs

How can I use "paler" in a sentence?

Use "paler" to compare the lightness of two colors or complexions. For example, "Her skin was "paler" after being indoors for a week."

What's a good alternative to using "paler"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "lighter", "more faded", or "less vibrant".

Is it correct to say something is "paler in color"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. You can also say something is simply ""paler"", as it already implies a difference in color intensity.

Which is more accurate: "paler than" or "more pale than"?

"Paler than" is generally preferred because "paler" is the comparative form of "pale". "More pale than" is also understandable, but less concise.