No less startling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "No less startling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is equally surprising or shocking as something previously mentioned. Example: "The news of the sudden resignation was no less startling than the announcement of the merger."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The financial costs are no less startling.

Independent

That this duality is obvious makes it no less startling.

The New York Times

(The jump is no less startling when you compare it with his "Hallelujah Junction").

The New York Times - Arts

The numbers at the state's professional schools are no less startling.

The New York Times

The destruction next door at No. 306 was no less startling.

The New York Times

Dench's kinetic quality onstage finds different but no less startling expression in film.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Not that it made the result any less startling.

The New York Times

There, "Berlin" was less startling but no less ambitious or, in the end, touching.

The New York Times

She makes no secret of anything, really, and for that reason, perhaps, it is somehow less startling when she "puts everyone else's business in the street," as she put it.

The New York Times

The Fly weighed half that, yet its lightness was less startling than its balance.

The New Yorker

Rowling's evidence was less startling, but it was delivered in a more harrowed, aggrieved tone.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "No less startling" to connect two surprising or impactful events or facts, emphasizing that the second is equally noteworthy as the first. It adds emphasis and maintains a consistent tone.

Common error

Avoid using "No less startling" when the second event or fact is clearly less impactful than the first. The phrase is meant to convey equality in impact, not simply follow up an impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "No less startling" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb or adjective, emphasizing the degree or intensity of a characteristic. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and conveys that something is equally surprising or shocking.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "No less startling" is used to emphasize that something is equally surprising or shocking as something previously mentioned. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but appears most frequently in news and media. To use it effectively, ensure the items being compared genuinely have a similar degree of impact. Alternative phrases include "equally surprising" and "just as shocking". Avoiding misuse in contexts where the impact is diminishing is crucial to maintain clarity and accuracy in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Equally surprising

Focuses on the element of surprise being equal.

Just as surprising

Highlights the similarity in the degree of surprise.

Equally shocking

Emphasizes the shock value being equivalent.

Just as shocking

Highlights the similarity in the degree of shock.

No less surprising

A more direct synonym maintaining the original structure.

As startling as

Changes the word order while retaining the original meaning.

Just as astonishing

Uses a different word for 'startling' but keeps the same degree of impact.

Equally impressive

Shifts the focus to impressiveness instead of surprise, while maintaining the equality.

Just as remarkable

Highlights the similarity in remarkableness.

No less impressive

Implies equal impact but changes the focus from startling to impressive.

FAQs

How can I use "No less startling" in a sentence?

Use "No less startling" to indicate that something is equally surprising or shocking as something previously mentioned. For example, "The news of the sudden resignation was "no less startling" than the announcement of the merger."

What phrases are similar to "No less startling"?

Synonyms for "No less startling" include "equally surprising", "just as surprising", or "equally shocking", all of which emphasize a similar level of impact or surprise.

Is "No less startling" formal or informal?

"No less startling" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it appears more frequently in news and media, indicating a neutral register. Its suitability depends on the overall tone and audience of your writing.

What's the difference between "No less startling" and "Less startling"?

"No less startling" means something is equally surprising, whereas "Less startling" indicates that something is not as surprising or impactful as something else. The phrases have opposite meanings.