are less responsive to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are less responsive to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a subject shows a reduced level of reaction or engagement towards something. Example: "Patients with chronic conditions are less responsive to standard treatments compared to those with acute illnesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unlike haemophilia A, haemophilia B patients with inhibitors are less responsive to ITI and may develop pathogenic antibody responses including anaphylaxis and nephrotic syndrome [ 1– 6].

Haemophilia

Negative symptoms are deficits of normal emotional responses or of other thought processes, and are less responsive to medication.

Wikipedia

Furthermore, bees with high sucrose responsiveness initiate foraging earlier in life than those that are less responsive to sucrose and will collect nectar with lower sugar concentration, like high pollen-hoarding strain bees.

Plosone

One is that local officials here are less responsive to public complaints than their American counterparts.

The New York Times

In the main part of the book, however, things are less responsive to life's twists and turns.

The Guardian - Books

In some cases, drugs work less effectively depending on sex; women are less responsive to anesthesia and ibuprofen for instance.

The New York Times

The infection can be treated with antimicrobial medications, but people with serious complications are less responsive to the drugs.

The New York Times - Health

More affluent southern counties rely heavily on the community fund because other funders are less responsive to cases for help addressing pockets of deprivation.

The Guardian

Opinion research shows that single women are less responsive to issues that have no immediate bearing on their daily lives, like corporate tax rates or the federal debt.

The New York Times

MRMs are less responsive to acute medication.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Local funders are less responsive to the figure of cumulative funds raised by an artist.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are less responsive to", ensure the subject and object of the phrase are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify what exactly is less responsive and what it is less responsive to.

Common error

Avoid making sweeping statements when using "are less responsive to". Instead of saying "older people are less responsive", specify the context: "older people are less responsive to certain types of advertising".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are less responsive to" functions primarily as a predicate adjective phrase, describing the degree to which a subject reacts or responds to a particular stimulus or condition. Ludwig examples demonstrate its versatility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

37%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are less responsive to" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate a diminished reaction or sensitivity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in science and news media. While its connotation can sometimes be negative, implying a deficiency, it often serves as a neutral descriptor of differing reactions. When using the phrase, it's crucial to maintain clarity by specifying the subject and object to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases such as "exhibit reduced sensitivity to" or "show a weaker reaction to" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are not as sensitive to

A more direct and simple way of expressing reduced sensitivity.

exhibit reduced sensitivity to

Emphasizes a lowered degree of sensitivity, using more formal vocabulary.

show a weaker reaction to

Focuses on the reduced strength of the reaction, using simpler terms.

demonstrate diminished response to

Highlights the reduced quality or quantity of the response, using more technical vocabulary.

display a blunted reaction to

Suggests that the normal reaction is weakened or suppressed.

have decreased susceptibility to

Shifts the focus to vulnerability, indicating a lowered likelihood of being affected.

react with less intensity to

Stresses the reduced strength of the reaction.

offer a muted response to

Implies that the response is quieter or less noticeable.

respond feebly to

Emphasizes the weakness and ineffectiveness of the reaction.

lack a strong response to

Highlights the absence of a powerful or effective reaction.

FAQs

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

You can use "are less responsive to" to describe a reduced reaction or sensitivity towards something. For example, "Plants in the shade "are less responsive to" sunlight compared to those in direct light."

What are some alternatives to "are less responsive to"?

Alternatives include phrases like "exhibit reduced sensitivity to", "show a weaker reaction to", or "demonstrate diminished response to", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it always negative to say something "are less responsive to"?

Not necessarily. While it often implies a deficiency or reduced effectiveness, it can also neutrally describe a difference in reaction. The connotation depends heavily on context. For instance, saying "certain bacteria "are less responsive to" antibiotics" is a factual statement about resistance.

What's the difference between "are less responsive to" and "are not responsive to"?

"Are less responsive to" implies a partial or diminished reaction, whereas "are not responsive to" suggests a complete lack of reaction. For example, "The tumor "is less responsive to" chemotherapy" means the treatment is partially effective, while "The tumor "is not responsive to" chemotherapy" means it has no effect.