are less open to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are less open to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is not as receptive or willing to accept ideas, suggestions, or changes compared to others. Example: "Some individuals are less open to new experiences than their peers, preferring to stick to familiar routines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

SOME airport logistics, of course, are less open to advancements.

The New York Times

However, it seems leave voters are less open to persuasion than remainers.

The Guardian

But in the world after Sept. 11, our judgments about terrorism are less open to complex or sympathetic explanations.

The New York Times

Szporer's works are less open to interpretation than Ono's and Burden's: you know what he's trying to say and do.

The New Yorker

And, while they are less open to new information about global warming than older generations, they are much more trusting of scientists and President Obama on the issue.

Yale University

"My guess is that British people are less open to having strangers come into their families, to befriend their children," she says.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

We shall be less open to the charge of procuring judgement by default.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But voters have been less open to change in recent decades.

The New York Times

Without the programme, he said, he would have been less open to taking on more debt, such as a mortgage.

The Guardian

They found that students who held a fixed mindset about interests were less open to an article that was outside their interest area.

Stanford University

The solution is not to abandon fair value, which investors like because it is less open to manipulation than the alternatives.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are less open to", consider the specific context. Are you referring to a general tendency, or a specific reaction to a particular idea or situation? Clarity enhances impact.

Common error

Avoid using "are less open to" as a sweeping generalization about entire groups of people. Instead, focus on specific behaviors or attitudes in particular situations. Nuance avoids stereotypes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are less open to" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject's tendency to be unreceptive or resistant. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are less open to" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a reduced willingness or receptiveness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts including news, academic writing, and scientific discourse. While it carries a neutral register, it's essential to use the phrase with consideration, avoiding overgeneralizations and being mindful of potential negative connotations. Alternatives such as "are more resistant to" or "are less receptive to" can provide nuanced substitutes depending on the specific context and desired level of formality. The frequency of its appearance across diverse sources highlights its broad applicability in describing a lack of receptiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are less receptive to

Focuses on the inability or unwillingness to receive or accept something.

are more resistant to

Implies a stronger opposition or reluctance than simply being less open.

are less inclined to

Indicates a lack of preference or willingness to do something.

are disinclined towards

Similar to 'less inclined' but with a slightly more formal tone.

are not as amenable to

Emphasizes a lack of willingness to agree or comply.

exhibit reluctance towards

Emphasizes the unwillingness or hesitation shown.

are averse to

Suggests a strong dislike or opposition to something.

are not susceptible to

Highlights the inability to be affected or influenced by something.

demonstrate resistance to

Focuses on the act of resisting, rather than a state of being less open.

reject the possibility of

Suggests a complete dismissal of an idea or option.

FAQs

How can I use "are less open to" in a sentence?

The phrase "are less open to" can be used to indicate a reluctance or resistance towards new ideas, suggestions, or changes. For example: "Younger generations "are less open to" traditional work structures."

What's a more formal alternative to "are less open to"?

A more formal alternative could be "are more resistant to" or "are less receptive to". These options convey a similar meaning with a slightly more elevated tone.

Is it always negative to say someone is "less open to" something?

Not necessarily. It can simply be an observation of a preference or tendency. However, it can imply a closed-mindedness, so consider the context and potential connotations.

How does "are less open to" differ from "are against"?

"Are against" implies a direct opposition or disapproval. "Are less open to" suggests a lower willingness to consider or accept something, without necessarily being in complete opposition.