be less detailed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be less detailed" is a valid and widely used form of expression in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to suggest that something should contain fewer details or be expressed with less complexity and specificity. For example, "Let's try to be less detailed in our explanation so that everyone can understand it more easily."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The smaller annual survey would identify demographic and social trends more quickly but would be less detailed and comprehensive.

The Guardian

Hamish agrees that, while it's easy to assume mobile games will be less detailed than computer or console alternatives, this is far from a "casual" experience.

Vice

The calls themselves would not be less detailed, it is unclear if they can use as many calls.

eLife

… some of the work would be less detailed and some aspects of the TOR not addressed in a comprehensive manner in view of the time constraint (HERA 2007a ).

Health Policy and Planning

Although novel, this system was considered to be less detailed than needed because many of the Wilson and Jungner criteria are subjective and therefore less amenable to the application of a metric and therefore quantification.

Genetics in Medicine

In such cases, their familiarity with the salient features of the specific conditions might be less detailed and result in a differential evaluation regarding whether the clinical population had been appropriately defined.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Maps of the ocean floor are less detailed than those of Mars or the moon.

The Guardian - Opinion

The treasury does publish the Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses PESAA) but it is less detailed than the reports themselves.

The Guardian

Some finding aids list the contents of collections, box by box, folder by folder; others are less detailed.

University of California, Berkeley

But that information is less detailed and typically filed one or two years after the period covered.

The New York Times

For the two others the analysis is less detailed and differences in the theory, if any, are noted.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, "be less detailed" by focusing on core information and avoiding unnecessary jargon.

Common error

Avoid becoming too general; while it's good to "be less detailed", ensure you retain sufficient specifics to maintain accuracy and relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be less detailed" functions as a directive or recommendation, advising that something should contain fewer specifics or elaborate elements. Ludwig indicates its usage in various contexts, from scientific analysis to general communication.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be less detailed" serves as a direct instruction to simplify content by reducing the level of specificity. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and applicable across diverse fields like science, news, and academia. While it promotes clarity and efficiency, it is important not to oversimplify to the point of losing essential information. Alternatives such as "be more concise" and "provide an outline" can offer subtle shifts in emphasis, enriching your communication toolkit. Being mindful of your audience and purpose ensures you strike the right balance between detail and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack detail

This alternative uses a more direct verb to convey the absence of detail.

be more concise

Focuses on brevity rather than just reducing detail.

be more succinct

Similar to "be more concise", but emphasizes precise and compact expression.

omit details

Highlights the act of intentionally leaving out specifics.

offer a summary

Suggests providing an overview instead of a comprehensive account.

provide an outline

Emphasizes the structural framework rather than the granular data.

keep it brief

Stresses the importance of keeping the information short and to the point.

generalize more

Focuses on making broader statements instead of specific ones.

simplify the explanation

Highlights making the explanation easier to understand.

abstract the information

Suggests focusing on the high-level concepts rather than specific data points.

FAQs

How can I use "be less detailed" in a sentence?

You can use "be less detailed" when you want to suggest that something should include fewer specifics. For example: "The initial report was too long; it needs to "be less detailed" to keep the audience engaged."

What are some alternatives to "be less detailed"?

You can use alternatives like "lack detail", "be more concise", or "provide an outline", depending on the context.

Is it always better to "be less detailed" in writing?

No, it depends on the context and audience. While conciseness is often valued, technical or academic writing may require a high level of detail. It's crucial to strike a balance between being thorough and being easily understood. Knowing when to "be less detailed" is a skill.

What's the difference between "be less detailed" and "be more concise"?

"Be less detailed" refers specifically to omitting or reducing the amount of specific information provided. "Be more concise", on the other hand, emphasizes using fewer words overall, which may or may not involve reducing the level of detail. You can "be less detailed" by generalizing, but being concise involves brevity through tighter word choice.