a less dangerous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a less dangerous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the danger level of two or more things, indicating that one is not as dangerous as the other. Example: "This route is a less dangerous option for hiking compared to the steep cliffs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"And that was a less dangerous time".

The New York Times

They are still hoping for a less dangerous way out.

The New York Times

In the past six years, New York has become statistically and undeniably a less dangerous place.

The New Yorker

Finally, he sent the two men to a less dangerous position.

The Guardian

"China is uniquely placed to guide North Korea to a less dangerous place".

The Guardian

These days, he is relaxing from a less dangerous, but equally grueling, feat.

The New York Times

(If Donald Trump became somewhat less irritable, the world would be a less dangerous place).

The New Yorker

The deal is imperfect but good enough, and it offers a tentative promise of a less dangerous Middle East.

The New Yorker

Across emerging Asian countries, a vast new middle class wants a less dangerous, less corrupt and less polluting capitalism.

The Economist

And my 1.026 kg "Steve Jobs" biography is a less dangerous projectile than a 0.68 kg iPad?

The New York Times

Instead, I went to a track operated by Bosch, the German auto supplier, to try a less dangerous test.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the relative safety of two options, use "a less dangerous" to clearly indicate that one poses a smaller risk than the other. For example: "Choosing this treatment plan is "a less dangerous" approach compared to surgery."

Common error

Avoid using "a less dangerous" in overly passive constructions that obscure the agent responsible for reducing the danger. For example, instead of "It was decided that "a less dangerous" method would be used", specify who made the decision: "The engineers decided to use "a less dangerous" method."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a less dangerous" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, describing something as having a lower degree of danger than something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

13%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a less dangerous" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed comparative adjective phrase used to express a lower level of risk relative to something else. As Ludwig AI points out, its versatility allows it to be appropriate for various contexts, ranging from news reports to scientific discussions. While alternatives like "safer" exist, "a less dangerous" explicitly acknowledges the presence of some degree of hazard. Its widespread use in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian reinforces its reliability and acceptability in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as dangerous

Expresses the comparative nature of the phrase more explicitly.

a safer

Focuses directly on the reduced risk, omitting the comparative aspect.

a more secure

Emphasizes the feeling of safety and protection, rather than the absence of danger.

a lower risk

Uses the noun "risk" to highlight the probability of harm, slightly more formal.

less hazardous

Replaces "dangerous" with a synonym that suggests a greater potential for immediate harm.

a reduced threat

Emphasizes the reduction of danger from a potential source.

less perilous

A more formal and literary synonym for "dangerous", suggesting great risk.

less threatening

Focuses on the perception of danger and potential harm.

a mitigated risk

Implies that steps have been taken to reduce the danger, adding a sense of control.

a controlled hazard

Focuses on managing a hazard rather than eliminating danger.

FAQs

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

Use "a less dangerous" to compare the relative safety of two options or situations, indicating that one poses a smaller risk than the other. For example, "This route is "a less dangerous option" for hiking compared to the steep cliffs".

What are some alternatives to saying "a less dangerous"?

You can use alternatives like "safer", "more secure", or "lower risk" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a less dangerous"?

Yes, the phrase "a less dangerous" is grammatically correct. It uses the comparative adjective "less" to modify the adjective "dangerous", creating a valid comparative phrase.

What's the difference between "a less dangerous" and "a safer" option?

While both phrases indicate reduced risk, "a less dangerous" explicitly acknowledges the presence of some danger, while "a safer" option implies a greater degree of security. The choice depends on the context and the level of risk involved.