stiffer than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stiffer than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the rigidity or firmness of two objects or materials. Example: "The new material is stiffer than the previous version, making it more suitable for construction."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The rationale for such methods is the fact that breast lesions are often stiffer than healthy tissue [ 11]; further, malignant lesions are stiffer than benign lesions [ 12, 13].

Breast Cancer Research

The term was stiffer than prosecutors recommended.

The New York Times

Competition is stiffer than elsewhere in the country, too.

The Economist

Pleural regions were threefold stiffer than alveolar walls.

Acta Biomaterialia

In an adherent, spread configuration, chondrocytes, osteoblasts, and adipocytes all exhibited significantly different mechanical properties, with osteoblasts being stiffer than chondrocytes and both being stiffer than adipocytes.

Journal of Biomechanics

These extruded, hollow rails can be far stiffer than solid bars of equivalent weight.

MIT Technology Review

Taxes stiffer than Scotch, high rent, bitter winters or Allan Houston's cuddly softness?

The New York Times - Sports

In this case, the ganache made the mousse stiffer than I like.

The New York Times - Food

Yielding and soft or stiffer than a retired colonel's upper lip?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This means the Type R is 177% stiffer than the standard Civic.

The Guardian - Tech

The wheat straw paper shown by Swan at the conference felt slightly stiffer than conventional paper.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the relative "stiffness" of objects, consider the specific context. For example, use it when discussing material properties in scientific writing or describing physical sensations in creative writing. The phrase implies a resistance to bending or deformation.

Common error

Avoid using "stiffer than" in contexts where 'more challenging' or 'more difficult' would be more appropriate. While metaphorical extensions are possible, overuse can dilute the impact and precision of your writing. Stick to literal or clearly analogous situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stiffer than" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It describes a quality (stiffness) to a greater degree in one subject compared to another. Ludwig AI demonstrates this through numerous examples, often in scientific or technical contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stiffer than" serves as a comparative term used to describe the relative rigidity or firmness of one object compared to another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in scientific and technical domains. The phrase finds frequent use in comparing material properties, medical imaging results, and even abstract concepts like competition or regulations. While "stiffer than" is suitable for a variety of contexts, it is essential to consider alternatives like "more rigid than" or "less flexible than" to ensure precision and avoid misusing the phrase in purely abstract scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less flexible than

Emphasizes the reduced flexibility of one item compared to another, focusing on the capacity to bend or yield.

more rigid than

Highlights the higher degree of inflexibility or unyieldingness of one object versus another.

less pliable than

Focuses on the lack of pliability or ease of being bent or molded in one item relative to another.

more unyielding than

Underscores the resistance to bending or deformation of one object in comparison to another.

firmer than

Indicates a higher level of solidity or resistance to pressure in one item compared to another.

less supple than

Highlights the lack of suppleness or adaptability in one item compared to another, often used for materials.

more inflexible than

Stresses the complete lack of flexibility in one object versus another, indicating a fixed or unchangeable nature.

less elastic than

Emphasizes the lower elasticity or ability to return to original shape after deformation in one item compared to another.

harder than

Indicates that one material is more resistant to scratching or denting compared to another.

less bendable than

Highlights the reduced capacity to be bent or curved without breaking in one item relative to another.

FAQs

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

You can use "stiffer than" to compare the rigidity or firmness of two objects, such as "The new material is "stiffer than" the previous version, making it more suitable for construction".

What are some alternatives to saying "stiffer than"?

Alternatives to "stiffer than" include "more rigid than", "firmer than", or "less flexible than", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "stiffer than"?

It's appropriate to use "stiffer than" when describing a measurable resistance to bending or deformation. It's especially common in technical, scientific, and comparative contexts, like describing the properties of different materials.

What is the difference between "stiffer than" and "less flexible than"?

While "stiffer than" and "less flexible than" are similar, "stiffer than" directly implies resistance to bending or deformation, whereas "less flexible than" focuses on the reduced ability to bend easily. The choice depends on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.