thinner than

USAGE SUMMARY

"thinner than" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to compare the relative thinness of two things. For example, "The new model of computer is thinner than the previous model."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Characters thinner than cardboard.

The Guardian - Film

He looked thinner than usual, haggard.

The New Yorker

"It's much thinner than one thinks.

The New Yorker

That's thinner than most smartphones.

The Guardian - Tech

Thinner than those gourmet-type ones.

The Guardian

It's still visibly thinner than his left.

The Washington Post

Mars' atmosphere is also much thinner than ours.

Cornell University

He was thinner than before, but not gaunt.

The Washington Post

Sheen is thinner than hair, and easily evaporates.

The New Yorker

My mind is quick and my patience thinner than most.

The Guardian

My vow may be wearing thinner than I'd thought".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thinner than" to make comparisons in abstract contexts as well. For instance, "His patience was "thinner than" usual after a long day."

Common error

Avoid using "thinner than" when comparing items that cannot be logically compared in terms of thickness. For example, it is incorrect to say, "His argument was "thinner than" her dress.", rather say "His argument was weaker than her dress'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thinner than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to compare the degree of thinness between two or more entities. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase is used in various contexts, both literal and metaphorical, highlighting its comparative role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

12%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "thinner than" is a common and grammatically sound comparative phrase used to describe the relative thinness of objects or concepts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a standard expression widely used across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and everyday conversation. The analysis reveals that it functions primarily to quantify and contrast degrees of thinness, serving both literal and metaphorical purposes. While versatile, it is crucial to ensure comparisons are logical and well-defined to avoid ambiguity. Top sources like The Guardian, The New Yorker, and The New York Times frequently employ the phrase, indicating its consistent use in authoritative writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less thick than

Replaces "thinner" with its direct opposite to indicate a lesser degree of thickness.

not as thick as

Uses a negative construction to express the same comparison of thickness.

more slender than

Substitutes "thinner" with "slender", focusing on a graceful thinness.

of lesser thickness than

A more formal and technical way to describe something being less thick.

more fine than

Emphasizes the delicacy and slightness of the object being described.

with a smaller diameter than

Specifically refers to circular objects and their comparative width.

of a lighter gauge than

Applies to materials like metal or wire, indicating a lesser thickness.

pared down compared to

Suggests a reduction in thickness from an original state.

compressed as opposed to

Implies a flattening process that results in reduced thickness.

less bulky than

Focuses on the overall size and reduced mass of an object.

FAQs

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

"Thinner than" is used to compare the relative thinness of two objects or concepts. For example, "This new phone is "thinner than the previous model"" or "His excuse was "thinner than paper"."

What are some alternatives to "thinner than"?

Alternatives include phrases like "less thick than", "not as thick as", or "more slender than", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "thinner than" literally?

While often used for physical thinness, "thinner than" can also be used metaphorically. For instance, you might say someone's patience is "thinner than usual" to indicate they are less patient.

What is the correct way to compare thicknesses?

Use "thinner than" when you want to say that one item has less thickness compared to another. Make sure that the comparison is logical and clear. Avoid comparing unrelated qualities. Example: "The new coating is "thinner than the old one"."