Less burdensome

USAGE SUMMARY

"less burdensome" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when comparing the level of difficulty or inconvenience of two or more tasks or situations. Example: "The new policy is less burdensome for small businesses." Alternative expressions include "easier to manage" and "more manageable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Less burdensome rules mean more people will comply with the rules, decreasing enforcement costs.

Forbes

Taxation became less burdensome.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The income tax is less burdensome than the payroll tax.

The New York Times

On the contrary, these latter provisions may, in practice, be less burdensome than the amendment process.

Cornell University

Officials say they would also prefer a less burdensome process than the original Senate bill outlined.

The New York Times

Ogala said the tournament offered an opportunity to make the cost of college less burdensome.

The New York Times

Consequently, the cost of interest and principal repayments has become a bit less burdensome.

The New Yorker

She still has a few allergies (shellfish and some nuts), but they are less burdensome.

The New York Times - Magazine

What's the better, less burdensome solution, according to Justice Samuel Alito?

The Economist

Perhaps the CIA's failure to predict the Soviet Union's collapse seemed suddenly less burdensome.

The Economist

Niche industries like payday lenders and check-cashing services will push for less burdensome federal regulation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add nuance, specify what is becoming less burdensome. For example, instead of "the process is less burdensome", try "the application process is less burdensome for small businesses".

Common error

While "less burdensome" is grammatically sound, avoid using it excessively in formal documents. Opt for more precise and impactful language that directly conveys the specific benefit or improvement. For instance, instead of "less burdensome regulations", consider "streamlined regulations" or "simplified compliance procedures".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less burdensome" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a reduced level of difficulty, obligation, or inconvenience. As seen in Ludwig, this phrase is often used to describe regulations, processes, or tasks that have been made easier or more manageable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

31%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less burdensome" is a versatile adjective phrase that describes a reduction in difficulty or obligation. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across a range of contexts, including news, academia, and science. While alternatives such as "easier" or "more manageable" may sometimes be preferable for clarity, "less burdensome" remains a useful and widely accepted way to convey the idea of reduced effort or complexity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

easier

Focuses on the reduced effort or complexity involved.

more manageable

Emphasizes the increased ability to control or handle something.

lighter

Suggests a reduction in weight or pressure, either literal or figurative.

less onerous

Implies a reduction in the unpleasantness or difficulty of a task or duty.

more convenient

Highlights the increased ease and accessibility of something.

simplified

Focuses on the reduction of complexity or intricacy.

less complicated

Emphasizes the reduction in the number of parts or steps involved.

more straightforward

Indicates a clearer and more direct path to completion.

less demanding

Highlights the reduced requirements or expectations.

more relaxed

Suggests a reduction in stress or tension associated with something.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to saying "less burdensome"?

You can use alternatives like "easier", "more manageable", or "lighter" depending on the context.

How can I use "less burdensome" in a sentence?

You might say, "The new regulations are "less burdensome" for small businesses", or "The updated software makes the process "less burdensome" than before".

Is "less burdensome" formal or informal?

It's generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might prefer a more precise term, depending on the specific situation. It's usually fine for news or academic writing though.

What makes something "less burdensome"?

Something becomes "less burdensome" when it requires less effort, time, or resources, or when it's easier to manage or complete. This could be due to simplification, automation, or other improvements.