are less noticeable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are less noticeable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the visibility or prominence of two or more things, indicating that one is not as easily seen or recognized as the other. Example: "The changes made to the design are less noticeable than we anticipated, blending seamlessly with the original layout."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Several have asked cell phone companies to install cell sites on top of light poles or on buildings where they are less noticeable.

The New York Times - Tech

And it evens out skin tone over time – within two weeks, Olay claims skin looks younger and after eight weeks use darker spots and discolouration are less noticeable.

Independent

As a home goes through heating and cooling cycles, the boards expand and contract, and if you have smaller boards, the changes are less noticeable.

The New York Times

When the members of the Young@Heart Chorus take the stage in Stephen Walker's documentary, their voices are less noticeable than their stooped shoulders, shuffling feet and white hair — not to mention their material, an unlikely mix of punk provocations, rock affirmations and teenage angst.

The New York Times

That's partly because politicians have reached for quick-and-easy VAT changes as a money-raiser in recent years, hoping they are less noticeable than piling a penny on income tax, which shows up in black and white on pay slips.

The Guardian - Business

With the advent of autumn and cooler temperatures, the morality police are less noticeable but still present at central crossroads and shopping centers, warning and arresting women who show too much hair or wear clothes that are too tight or revealing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

"Like what I mentioned with upsetting the masses, that would be less noticeable in a smaller community, whereas corruption might be more noticable".

Vice

Noise is less noticeable, too.

The Economist

"It's less noticeable in a boom period".

The New York Times

"Any mis-hits were less noticeable with its high moment of inertia," he said.

The New York Times

For consumers, the tax would be less noticeable than directly charging for the music.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for subtlety in writing, use "are less noticeable" to downplay certain aspects without completely omitting them. This adds nuance and avoids stark contrasts.

Common error

Avoid using "are less noticeable" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "are less significant" or "are less pronounced" for enhanced clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are less noticeable" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. Ludwig AI data shows it’s used to indicate that something is not as easily seen, detected, or recognized compared to something else. As the Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are less noticeable" is a commonly used adjective phrase that indicates something is not as easily seen, detected, or recognized. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in news, scientific, and general writing. While effective for downplaying certain aspects, more precise alternatives might be preferred in highly formal contexts. The phrase's prevalence in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are less discernible

Synonymous replacement; emphasizes reduced ability to distinguish something.

are less apparent

Synonymous replacement; highlights the reduced visibility or clarity of something.

are less conspicuous

Stresses a decrease in how easily something attracts attention.

are less palpable

Synonymous replacement; suggests a reduction in the tangibility or obviousness of something.

are less notable

Similar meaning; indicates reduced importance or significance.

are less perceptible

Synonymous replacement; focuses on reduced ability to be sensed or recognized.

are less observable

Emphasizes the reduced ability to be seen or watched.

are less detectable

Focuses on the reduced ability to be discovered or noticed.

are less recognizable

Implies reduced ability to identify something easily.

are less remarkable

Highlights that something attracts less attention or is less striking.

FAQs

How can I use "are less noticeable" in a sentence?

You can use "are less noticeable" to describe something that is not easily seen or recognized. For example, "The changes to the interface "are less noticeable" than the previous version".

What's the difference between "are less noticeable" and "are less obvious"?

"Are less noticeable" suggests something is harder to detect, while "are less obvious" implies something is harder to understand or perceive. The choice depends on whether you're referring to visibility or comprehension.

What can I say instead of "are less noticeable"?

You can use alternatives like "are less apparent", "are less conspicuous", or "are more subtle depending on the context".

Is it correct to say "is less noticeable" instead of "are less noticeable"?

Yes, but the correct form depends on the subject's plurality. Use "is less noticeable" for singular subjects and "are less noticeable" for plural subjects.