tighter than that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tighter than that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are comparing the tightness of something to a previous reference point, often in a casual or informal manner. Example: "I thought the dress was tight, but when I tried on the next size down, it was even tighter than that."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

It may be tighter than that.

The Guardian - Sport

The result shows that the SEI formed on the composite CNFs with less surface defects is much thinner yet tighter than that formed on the PAN-based CNFs.

Carbon

The polling averages have had Northam up by at least six points, but allow us to remind you: Democrats think Northam's lead is considerably tighter than that.

The Washington Post

This indicates that the binding between human miRNA and viral RNAs may be much tighter than that between human miRNA and human mRNA.

BMC Systems Biology

Since an as-needed injection protocol was much tighter than that used previously and is often referred to as "zero tolerance", [ 18] any fluid seen on OCT images was added to the usual retreatment criteria.

BMC Ophthalmology

You should hold the club tightly enough to keep it in your hands, but no tighter than that.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

And security for domestic flights is usually not as tight than that for international travel.

The New York Times

In contrast to Kf-exo–, the binding in the binary complex between the modified template and pol β is less tight than that in the complex containing the unmodified template, where the differences in binding are approximately 3-fold for FABP and 5- to 6-fold for FAAF, respectively.

Chemical Research in Toxicology

Gov. Jerry Brown and his allies have been rounding up states, provinces and cities willing to set environmental targets tighter than those that are likely to be adopted at the United Nations summit on climate change.

Los Angeles Times

If scientists can detect periodic dips in the light from such stars, this may signal the presence of planets with significantly tighter orbits than that of Earth.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

However, since the flux density at N60 was noisier than in the widebands, Takeuchi et al. (2010) found that an alternative formula which makes use of only WIDE-S and WIDE-L flux densities gives a tighter relation than that for three bands.

Earth, Planets and Space

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tighter than that" to compare the degree of constraint, pressure, or closeness relative to a previously mentioned or understood standard. This phrase works well in both formal and informal contexts where a comparison of intensity is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "tighter than that" when you are not explicitly comparing two comparable items. Ensure there is a clear reference point for what "that" refers to, otherwise the comparison becomes ambiguous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tighter than that" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, indicating that something is more restricted, close, or intense compared to a previously mentioned reference point. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tighter than that" is a grammatically sound and comparably common expression used to indicate a higher degree of constraint or intensity. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is acceptable in written English. Predominantly found in scientific and news-related contexts, it serves to emphasize that something exceeds a previous reference point in terms of tightness or control. Alternative phrases include "more constrained than that" or "more restricted than that". When employing this phrase, ensure a clear reference point exists for the comparison to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more constrained than that

Emphasizes restriction or limitation.

more restricted than that

Highlights limitations or regulations.

more compact than that

Focuses on spatial closeness or density.

more close-knit than that

Applies to relationships or communities, indicating stronger bonds.

more exacting than that

Suggests stricter standards or requirements.

more stringent than that

Highlights the rigor or severity of rules or conditions.

more inflexible than that

Emphasizes the lack of adaptability or looseness.

more unyielding than that

Suggests a firmness and resistance to change.

more regulated than that

Implies increased oversight and control.

more supervised than that

Focuses on the level of monitoring or guidance.

FAQs

How can I use "tighter than that" in a sentence?

You can use "tighter than that" to compare the degree of constraint or closeness relative to something already mentioned. For example, "I thought the deadline was strict, but this new one is "tighter than that"".

What's a good alternative to "tighter than that"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "more constrained than that", "more restricted than that", or "more compact than that".

Is "tighter than that" grammatically correct?

Yes, "tighter than that" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It is a comparative phrase used to indicate a higher degree of tightness or constraint.

When is it appropriate to use "tighter than that" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize a stronger degree of something compared to a previous reference. For example, "The security measures were already strict, but now they are "tighter than that" because of recent events".