to be less durable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be less durable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the quality or longevity of an object or material, indicating that it is not as strong or long-lasting as something else. Example: "The new smartphone model is designed to be less durable than its predecessor, making it more lightweight but also more prone to damage."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Thus, compared with PTI, ETI is more specific and assumed to be less durable.

Rice

Try to stay away from generic tools because these seem to be less durable.

WikiHow

A head can be solid-state or tube, the tube option tends to be less durable, but sounds better and is more expensive.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Electric is medium to expensive price higher power and some can be less durable.

WikiHow

When making a budget, realize that while buying cheap furniture may save you money now, it won't necessarily help in the long run, as these items will be less durable and you will have to replace them.

WikiHow

Judgements based solely on the way the world looks at the end of 1983 could be less durable than his own.

The Economist

Metformin monotherapy might therefore be less durable than the experience of highly screened volunteers treated by research physicians would suggest.

Diabetes Care

The greater the difference in temperature between fresh asphalt and its paving environment, the faster the mix will cool and be less durable.

WikiHow

Remember that thin, stretchy material which is often made from polyester will fit your furniture easily, but will be less durable than a thicker fabric.

WikiHow

Naturally softer fabrics made from soy have a mild impact compared to cotton, according to environmental groups, but they are less durable, so clothes wear out faster and have to be replaced more often — which has an environmental cost of its own.

The New York Times

Byam's monocoque aircraft torpedo trailer designs proved more expensive to build than trailers that were less durable and less visually exciting.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the durability of two items, clearly specify the conditions under which the assessment is made. For instance, "Under heavy use, this material is expected "to be less durable" than its counterpart."

Common error

Avoid stating that something is "to be less durable" without providing context. Instead of saying "This product is "to be less durable", specify what it's less durable than or under what conditions to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be less durable" functions as a comparative descriptor, indicating that something possesses a lower degree of durability compared to something else. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

43%

News & Media

29%

Science

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be less durable" is a grammatically sound construction used to compare the endurance or lifespan of items. As Ludwig AI points out, its usage is appropriate in written English. While relatively uncommon, its appearance across diverse contexts like Wiki entries, news articles, and scientific publications suggests its versatility. When using the phrase, it's essential to provide context by specifying what the subject is less durable than. Alternatives such as "to be more fragile" or "to wear out faster" may be suitable depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to exhibit reduced durability

Replaces "less" with "reduced" and uses the noun form of "durable".

to have diminished lifespan

Focuses on the lifespan aspect of durability.

to possess lower resilience

Substitutes "durable" with "resilient", emphasizing the ability to recover from stress.

to be more fragile

Uses a different adjective with a similar meaning.

to be of inferior quality

Broadens the scope to overall quality, implying reduced durability.

to wear out faster

Focuses on the speed of degradation.

to be more susceptible to damage

Highlights the increased vulnerability to harm.

to be more prone to failure

Emphasizes the likelihood of breaking or malfunctioning.

to lack robustness

Replaces "durable" with "robust", indicating a lack of strength.

to have a shorter service life

Specifically addresses the duration of usability.

FAQs

How can I use "to be less durable" in a sentence?

You can use "to be less durable" to compare the longevity or resistance of two items, such as "The cheaper model is designed "to be less durable" than the premium version".

What's a good alternative to "to be less durable"?

Alternatives include "to be more fragile", "to wear out faster", or "to have a shorter lifespan" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "to be less durable"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. The phrase uses the infinitive "to be" followed by the adjective "durable" modified by "less".

How does "to be less durable" differ from "to lack durability"?

"To be less durable" implies a comparison, whereas "to lack durability" suggests a complete absence of it. For example, the first suggests that the object has some durability but not enough, the second suggests the object isn't durable at all.