be less extensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be less extensive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that something should be reduced in scope or detail. Example: "To improve clarity, the report should be less extensive and focus on the key findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

For that reason, the damage may prove to be less extensive there than closer to the epicenter.

The New York Times

An interim pact, he said, could take the form of a memorandum of understanding and related documents, which would be less extensive than a formal security agreement.

The New York Times

Benning also said the Sussex operation – which planning documents show involves five ponds, two for the sturgeon – would be less extensive than the existing one in Devon.

The Guardian

Patients whose cancers appeared to be less extensive at diagnosis lived longer, on average, than those whose cancer was more widespread.

The New York Times

The latter group should be less extensive and complicated.

Environmental Sciences Europe

The anterior subtype accounts for approximately 45%% of urethral tumours, and tend to be less extensive and low grade [7].

Insights into Imaging

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The interior renovations were less extensive.

The New York Times

Glaciation is less extensive in the Alai and Trans-Alai mountains.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But this time around, the battleground is less extensive, the battle-lines less clear.

The Guardian

The thinking on gift cards is less extensive but has its place in that history.

The New York Times - Magazine

Several more Palestinians were killed and injured yesterday, although the Israeli air strikes were less extensive.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be less extensive", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being reduced in scope or scale. Provide specific details to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "be less extensive" without specifying what aspect is being reduced. For instance, instead of saying "The changes will be less extensive", specify "The changes to the budget will "be less extensive"".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be less extensive" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, indicating that something has been reduced in scope, scale, or detail compared to something else. Ludwig confirms this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be less extensive" is a grammatically correct and usable expression indicating a reduction in scope, scale, or detail. Ludwig highlights its versatility across scientific, news, and business contexts. While not extremely common, its precise meaning makes it valuable in situations where a reduction needs to be communicated clearly. Remember to specify what is being reduced to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "be more limited" or "be narrower in scope" may be suitable depending on the specific context. The phrase is most frequently found in scientific publications and news articles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be narrower in scope

Directly addresses the breadth of the subject matter.

be more limited

Focuses on a boundary or restriction, rather than the extent.

be smaller in scale

Refers to the size or magnitude of something.

be more concise

Emphasizes brevity and directness, differing from overall scope.

be more compact

Suggests a reduction in size or volume, not necessarily scope.

be more curtailed

Highlights a sudden or forceful reduction.

be more abridged

Specifically refers to shortening a written work.

be more superficial

Implies a lack of depth or thoroughness.

be more restrained

Emphasizes control and moderation, rather than overall size or scope.

be more simplified

Focuses on making something easier to understand, potentially reducing complexity.

FAQs

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

You can use "be less extensive" to indicate that something is reduced in scope, size, or detail. For example, "The new plan will "be less extensive" than the original proposal".

What is a good alternative to "be less extensive"?

Alternatives include phrases like "be more limited", "be more concise", or "be narrower in scope", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "be less extensive"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is usable in written English.

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

"Be less extensive" refers to a reduction in scope or range, while "be more concise" refers to expressing something in fewer words. Although both imply a reduction, the focus differs.