than it is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "than it is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when making a comparison between two things, often to highlight a difference in quality or state. Example: "This task is more challenging than it is rewarding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its body is shorter than it is tall.

Wikipedia

It sounds scarier than it is".

The New York Times

That sounds easier than it is.

The New York Times

It feels worse than it is.

The New York Times

Make everything smaller than it is.

Independent

It looks worse than it is.

The New Yorker

This sounds simpler than it is.

The Economist

It looks harder than it is.

The New Yorker

"Bolton feels much bigger than it is.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It always sounds better than it is.

The Washington Post

It sounds more complicated than it is.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "than it is" to make clear comparisons, ensuring your writing emphasizes the distinction you're drawing between two states or qualities. For example, "The problem seems simpler "than it is" when you first look at it."

Common error

Avoid omitting the "it is" when using "than". Saying "than that" or "than which" might confuse your comparison. Always ensure the full phrase is present to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "than it is" functions primarily as a comparative conjunction, connecting two parts of a sentence to show a difference or contrast. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is used to compare something's perceived state with its actual state. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its widespread use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

20%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "than it is" is a highly versatile and frequently used comparative conjunction. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it effectively highlights contrasts between perceived and actual states across numerous contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic sources, its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. While some alternative phrasing may offer nuanced differences, "than it is" provides a straightforward and widely accepted method for making comparisons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in comparison to what is real

Directly compares an ideal or expectation with the tangible situation.

as opposed to what it seems

Highlights a discrepancy between perception and truth.

judged against its actuality

Implies assessment based on the real state, not just impressions.

compared to its actual state

Emphasizes the contrast between appearance and reality.

versus its factual status

Emphasizes a factual, objective assessment.

when weighed against its reality

Suggests a careful evaluation of the actual situation.

relative to its current condition

Focuses on the existing state as a reference point.

when contrasted with its essence

Highlights a comparison with the core identity or nature.

considering its real circumstances

Encourages taking into account the context of the situation.

in relation to its true nature

Draws attention to the genuine qualities versus superficial ones.

FAQs

How can I use "than it is" in a sentence?

Use "than it is" to compare something's perceived state with its actual state. For instance, "The task appears more challenging "than it actually is"".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "than it is"?

Alternatives include phrases like "than it seems", "than it appears", or "compared to its reality", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "than it is" and "then it is"?

Yes, "than it is" is used for comparisons, while "then it is" indicates a sequence or consequence. For example, "If that's the case, "then it is" time to act" shows a conditional outcome.

When is it appropriate to use "than it is" in formal writing?

It is appropriate in formal writing when making clear, nuanced comparisons. Ensure the comparison is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of your argument. For example: "The risk is more significant "than it initially appears"."