stronger than normal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stronger than normal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has an intensity or degree that exceeds what is typically expected or experienced. Example: "The storm was stronger than normal, causing significant damage to the coastal areas."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Sweeney's rodents developed mighty biceps and thighs 50percentnt stronger than normal mice.

The Guardian

This recent expansion was longer and stronger than normal and the current slowdown, or even contraction, shouldn't be a surprise.

The New York Times

Queen Alien Significantly larger and stronger than normal aliens, queens possess an extra set of arms and a larger head.

Independent

The UK's growth is likely to be "sluggish" but will gradually grow to stronger than normal by 2014, it added.

Independent

It acquired Okairos because it had the technology to create vaccines that stimulate stronger than normal immune responses.

The Economist

The directors could therefore agree to these stronger deal protections, safe in the knowledge that, though stronger than normal, they might not matter much.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

A new study suggests that the missing heat has been temporarily stirred into the relatively shallow waters in the western Pacific by stronger-than-normal trade winds.

Science Magazine

Each stage is completed by defeating the boss, a stronger-than-normal enemy, at the end.

Wikipedia

Understanding what sets off these stronger-than-normal reactions, what their root cause is, can help you understand yourself better.

WikiHow

"This is a stronger field than normal for a big-city marathon," Radcliffe said by telephone from Ireland, adding that she respected Prokopcuka as a competitor and for her "nice flowing style".

The New York Times - Sports

The results of the investigation suggest that slurry concentration had relatively stronger effect than normal load.

Materials & Design

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing phenomena like weather patterns or economic trends, use "stronger than normal" to clearly indicate a deviation from typical conditions. For example: "This year's El Niño is expected to bring stronger than normal rainfall to the region."

Common error

Avoid using "stronger than normal" in casual conversation where simpler alternatives like "more powerful" or "extra strong" would sound more natural. Reserve it for situations requiring a precise and somewhat formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stronger than normal" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to describe a noun by comparing its strength to a standard or average level. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase follows standard grammar rules and is widely used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stronger than normal" is a grammatically sound and commonly used comparative adjective phrase. According to Ludwig, it's employed to describe something exceeding typical intensity or force. It finds frequent use in news, science, and general contexts, with authoritative sources like The Guardian, The New York Times, and Wikipedia featuring the phrase. Alternatives include "more powerful than usual" or "above average strength". When using "stronger than normal", remember to reserve it for situations needing a precise and somewhat formal tone and ensure that is not excessively used in casual conversations. Overall, "stronger than normal" is a versatile phrase for indicating deviations from typical conditions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more powerful than usual

Emphasizes an increase in power or force compared to the ordinary.

above average strength

Highlights that the strength surpasses the average or typical level.

greater than expected force

Focuses on the unexpected increase in force or intensity.

an elevated degree of potency

Emphasizes a higher level of effectiveness or capability.

intensified beyond the norm

Highlights that something has been made more intense compared to the average situation.

enhanced vigor

Focuses on improved energy and robustness.

unusually robust

Highlights an atypical level of durability and health.

at a heightened level of intensity

Focuses on a pronounced increase in intensity.

anomalously potent

Emphasizes that something is unusually or deviantly potent.

exceeding typical intensity

Focuses on going beyond the typical or average level of intensity.

FAQs

How can I use "stronger than normal" in a sentence?

You can use "stronger than normal" to describe something exceeding typical intensity or force. For example, "The winds were "stronger than normal" during the hurricane, causing widespread damage."

What are some alternatives to "stronger than normal"?

Alternatives include phrases like "more powerful than usual", "above average strength", or "greater than expected force", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "stronger than usual" or "stronger than normal"?

Both "stronger than usual" and "stronger than normal" are acceptable. "Stronger than normal" is generally preferred in more formal or scientific contexts, while "stronger than usual" is suitable for everyday conversation.

Can "stronger than normal" be used to describe emotional reactions?

Yes, you can use "stronger than normal" to describe emotional reactions that are more intense than typically expected. For instance, "He had a "stronger than normal" reaction to the criticism, possibly due to underlying stress."