quieter than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quieter than" is correct and is used in both spoken and written English.
You can use the phrase to compare two things in terms of the quality of being quiet. For example, "The library is much quieter than the cafeteria at lunchtime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Quieter than normal".

The New York Times

The streets were quieter than usual.

The New Yorker

It's quieter than the library.

The New York Times - Magazine

Quieter than the "Today" show.

The New Yorker

"It's actually quieter than normal".

The New York Times

Quieter than a roaring Mini.

The New York Times

It is quieter than ever now.

The Guardian

These days it is quieter than usual.

The New York Times

Quieter than farting mud but equally effective.

The Guardian - Travel

Ladas quieter than any Rolls-Royce.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The rendition was slower and quieter than the studio version.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing noise levels, ensure the objects or situations being compared are clearly defined. For example, specify "This vacuum cleaner is "quieter than" the previous model" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "quieter than" when describing something as absolutely quiet. Instead of saying "The room was quieter than quiet", specify what it's quieter than: "The room was "quieter than" a library after hours."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quieter than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, used to indicate that one thing possesses a lower degree of loudness compared to another. Ludwig's examples showcase it comparing everything from streets to appliances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "quieter than" is a common and grammatically correct comparative phrase used to describe a lower level of noise between two subjects. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and the numerous examples highlight its prevalence in News & Media, showing a neutral formality. When using the phrase, be specific in defining what you're comparing and avoid using it in absolute statements. For alternatives, consider options such as "less noisy than" or "not as loud as".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less noisy than

Replaces "quieter" with "less noisy" while retaining the comparative structure.

more silent than

Substitutes "quieter" with "more silent" emphasizing the absence of sound.

not as loud as

Presents the comparison using a negative construction, focusing on the lack of loudness.

more hushed than

Uses "more hushed" to convey a sense of subdued sound or activity.

less rowdy than

Emphasizes a reduction in boisterous or disruptive behavior.

calmer than

Shifts the focus from sound to a general state of tranquility.

more peaceful than

Highlights the presence of peace rather than the absence of noise.

with less noise than

Rephrases the comparison to focus on the amount of noise present.

at a lower volume than

Specifies that the sound is at a reduced intensity.

more subdued than

Indicates a decrease in intensity or liveliness.

FAQs

How can I use "quieter than" in a sentence?

Use "quieter than" to compare the relative loudness of two things. For example, "This new engine is "quieter than" the old one".

What's a more formal alternative to "quieter than"?

While "quieter than" is suitable for most contexts, you could use "less noisy than" or "exhibiting a lower decibel level than" in more formal or technical writing.

Is it correct to say "more quiet than" instead of "quieter than"?

While "more quiet than" isn't grammatically incorrect, ""quieter than"" is the more common and natural-sounding comparative form of "quiet".

What's the difference between "quieter than" and "silent"?

"Quieter than" implies a relative comparison of sound levels, whereas "silent" suggests a complete absence of sound. A room can be "quieter than" a busy street but still not be completely silent.