a less silly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a less silly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the silliness of two or more things, indicating that one is not as silly as the other. Example: "I prefer a less silly approach to problem-solving, as it often leads to more effective solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A less silly depiction came in the 1952 novel The Dark Mare – conflating "dark horse" and "nightmare".

The Guardian - Books

(By the way, I'd normally try to find a less silly photo for a story like this, but hey, I wish I could pull off a moustache like that, and if it's good enough for his LinkedIn profile …).

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But that doesn't mean it sounded any less silly when they got lobbed out of the shadows at a weeping Toni Collette.

Vice

So as the brand evolves I think we'll be a bit less silly and corny, and a bit more focused on changing the system".

Huffington Post

Readers are welcome to share their own stories of language learning embarrassments, if only to make me feel a little less silly.

The Economist

(It may sound silly to speak of file-sharing in terms of persecution, but when you think of the case of Thomas Drake, or of Bradley Manning, it seems a little less silly).

The New Yorker

That should make Big Gulp pride rallies seem a little less silly.

Vice

In listening to some of the capabilities referenced in Carter's speech, it sounds like the DoD is moving toward something more serious and a lot less silly than the mystical "Third Offset" efforts I've previously mocked.

Vice

If the government wants a citizenship test less silly than the current proposals, one word should do the trick: "exterminate".

Independent

The truth is, claiming that "the protesters are all cuddly little bunnies who just want to give everyone a hug" is no less silly than "the protesters are all bloodthirsty fascists who want to rape and kill grandmothers and children".

The Guardian - Opinion

Those factors could combine to make this announcement less silly than a dollar sign replacing a pound sign.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a less silly" when comparing two options, indicating that one is not as frivolous or absurd as the other. For example, "I chose a less silly hat for the formal event."

Common error

Avoid stacking too many comparative adjectives. Instead of saying "a less silly, more serious" approach, consider rephrasing for clarity: "a more serious, and thus less silly, approach".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a less silly" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a reduced degree of silliness. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is grammatically sound and used for comparing the level of absurdity between two or more options.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a less silly" is a grammatically correct comparative expression used to indicate a reduced degree of foolishness or absurdity. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to modify a noun, expressing a preference for something more serious or practical. While its frequency is rare, the phrase appears in neutral contexts, primarily within news and media sources like The Guardian and TechCrunch. If the user wants to avoid being repetitive, related phrases such as "a more serious", "a more sensible", or "a more reasonable" can be used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a less frivolous

Directly contrasts with being lighthearted or trivial.

a less absurd

Reduces the element of ridiculousness or irrationality.

a less foolish

Lowers the degree of foolishness or lack of good sense.

a more serious

Emphasizes seriousness as opposed to silliness.

a less whimsical

Reduces the element of being unpredictable or capricious.

a more sensible

Focuses on reason and practicality.

a more reasonable

Highlights rationality and logical thinking.

a more practical

Stresses usefulness and functionality over frivolity.

a more appropriate

Suggests greater suitability for a given context.

a more mature

Implies a higher degree of sophistication or development.

FAQs

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

You can use "a less silly" to describe something that is not as ridiculous or frivolous as another. For example, "He decided to propose "a less silly" plan to address the budget issues".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "a less silly"?

Alternatives to "a less silly" include "a more serious", "a more sensible", or "a more reasonable" approach, depending on the context.

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

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase uses the comparative adjective "less" correctly to modify "silly", indicating a lower degree of silliness.

What's the difference between "a less silly" and "a more serious"?

"A less silly" implies a reduction in foolishness, whereas "a more serious" indicates an increase in gravity or importance. They are related but emphasize different aspects of the change.