thinner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thinner" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the thickness or density of objects, typically in contexts related to physical attributes or measurements. Example: "The new fabric is much thinner than the old one, making it more breathable for summer wear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Choose a few thinner garments – if you want to add a thermal base layer, the sports giant Decathlon supplies a very good bargain one from its in-house B'Twin range.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When asked about the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus camera lens sticking out of the back of the phones, which allows them to be thinner overall but not sit flat on a table, Ive simply said it was "a really very pragmatic optimisation.

The Guardian - Tech

Now he is notably thinner, dashingly dressed (today in a flatteringly slim blue suit, black coat with a flash of burgundy lining and bright turquoise striped socks) and with the kind of floppy fringe that used to get you sent to detention.

The Guardian

For those of us who now become hypnotically glued to TV sports as marginal as European handball and Indian Super League soccer, opportunities for exotic sports-watching were a little thinner on the ground in the pre-cable days of the 80s and early 90s.

The Guardian - Sport

Much thinner than his body hair, the fibres seem to be protruding from his sores.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

'You'll never see them again.'" She became, she says, "thinner and thinner, while my stomach became bigger and bigger", and was transferred to a factory near Freiberg where V2 "buzzbombs" were manufactured, "and where we were delighted to find bedbugs, which meant food and warmth".

The Guardian - Music

Holland said it was important not to confuse floating ice shelves, which can be up to 2km thick, with the much thinner sea ice.

The Guardian

The new version has a colour e-ink screen, a claimed battery life of seven days, and is 20% thinner than Pebble's previous smartwatches.

The Guardian - Tech

When ideals of masculine beauty change, it is interesting to watch; the variations are wider than they are in female beauty, where most changes are really just another way of saying "thinner".

The Guardian - Film

Except it didn't, because a few years later it entered this song about the joys of avoiding meals to look thinner for your husband.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I have been involved in more than a few conversations with them in which a desire to be thinner or the admiration of some ultra-thin female celebrity has been the subject of discussion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical objects, ensure that using "thinner" accurately reflects a reduction in thickness rather than other dimensions like height or width. For abstract concepts, consider if "less substantial" or another related term might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "thinner" when you actually mean "smaller" or "less". "Thinner" specifically refers to one dimension, while "smaller" is more general. For instance, saying "a thinner crowd" might be misleading if the crowd is simply fewer people spread over the same area.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "thinner" is as a comparative adjective. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its role in describing something that has a smaller dimension of thickness, density, or consistency compared to something else. It is often used to show relative differences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

27%

Science

26%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thinner" serves as a comparative adjective used to describe a reduced dimension in thickness, density, or consistency. According to Ludwig, its usage is grammatically sound and very common across various contexts, including news and media, formal business, and science. While generally neutral in register, ensuring precision is important; avoid overgeneralizing thickness when "smaller" or "less" might be more appropriate. Ludwig's analysis underscores the phrase's versatility and broad applicability in both physical and abstract descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less thick

Emphasizes a reduced dimension of thickness, focusing on physical size.

more slender

Suggests a refined and elegant reduction in width, often applied to objects or figures.

less dense

Highlights a decrease in the concentration of matter within a given volume.

more sparse

Indicates a reduction in the quantity or frequency of elements within a space or area.

more tenuous

Implies a weakening or thinning to the point of fragility or insubstantiality.

more dilute

Focuses on reducing the concentration of a substance within a liquid or mixture.

more flimsy

Suggests a lack of strength or substance due to reduced thickness or density.

more delicate

Indicates a refined and subtle reduction, often implying fragility or sensitivity.

less substantial

Highlights a reduction in the overall mass or significance of something.

more refined

Emphasizes a purified or clarified state achieved through the removal of excess or impurities.

FAQs

How is "thinner" used in comparative sentences?

"Thinner" is used to compare the relative thickness of two or more objects or concepts, as in "This fabric is "much thinner" than that one".

What are some alternatives to using "thinner" when describing a liquid?

When describing a liquid, you could use terms like "more "dilute"", "more "watery"", or "less "viscous"" instead of "thinner".

Is it correct to use "thinner" to describe abstract concepts?

Yes, "thinner" can be used metaphorically to describe abstract concepts, such as "thinner evidence" or "thinner margins", implying a weaker or reduced state.

What's the difference between "thinner" and "more slender"?

"Thinner" generally refers to a reduction in thickness, while "more "more slender"" suggests a refined or elegant thinness, often applied to shapes and figures.