be less than convinced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be less than convinced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing doubt or skepticism about a particular idea, argument, or claim. Example: "After hearing the presentation, I must admit I am less than convinced about the project's feasibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Those who find Last's politics less than congenial are likely to be less than convinced by his arguments.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Some experts found Apple's position that it was acting in order to protect privacy rights to be less than convincing.

The New Yorker

The country is less than convinced.

The New Yorker

A theatrical producer was less than convinced.

The New York Times

Dr Adrian Furnham, professor of psychology at University College London, is less than convinced.

The Guardian - Money

"I am less than convinced the Obama effect will be so quick or so significant," said David Eldon, the former chairman of Asia and Pacific operations at the bank HSBC.

The New York Times

When it emerges that Noone is struggling with writer's block, and one considers that Maupin's most recent novel was published as far back as 1992, one is less than convinced by the other pun in Gabriel's surname - that it can be read as "no one".

The Guardian - Books

The response in both nations has been a variation of "yes, government corruption is a real problem, but don't worry, we in the government are going to root it out!" Unsurprisingly many are less than convinced.

TechCrunch

Franz I was less than convinced.

Wikipedia

ARPA, the Advanced Research Projects Agency and the predecessor to DARPA, was less than convinced.

Vice

Yet given the country's track record of corruption, paying off warlords and officials to allow careless resource exploitation sans benefit to locals, many are less than convinced by Ponyo.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, follow it with a brief explanation of why you are not convinced to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "be less than convinced" when you are completely certain or strongly disagree. The phrase implies a degree of openness to persuasion, so it's inappropriate for expressing absolute conviction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be less than convinced" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a subject, indicating a state of doubt or skepticism. It suggests a lack of complete persuasion regarding a particular idea, argument, or claim. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be less than convinced" serves as a nuanced way to express skepticism or doubt without being overtly confrontational. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, highlighting its function as an adjective phrase indicating a lack of complete persuasion. Predominantly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts, this phrase allows for a polite expression of reservation, and is therefore useful in various settings. Remember to use it when you want to express uncertainty in a measured, non-committal way.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain unconvinced

Uses a different verb to express a similar state of doubt.

not entirely convinced

Adds an adverb to slightly soften the expression of doubt.

somewhat skeptical

Replaces the entire phrase with a single adjective indicating doubt.

harbor doubts

Uses a metaphorical expression to convey uncertainty.

not persuaded

Emphasizes the lack of influence by an argument or evidence.

have reservations

Highlights specific concerns or hesitations.

not sold on the idea

An informal expression indicating a lack of enthusiasm or belief.

find it questionable

Focuses on the dubious nature of something.

remain dubious

Similar to skeptical, indicating disbelief or uncertainty.

not fully buying it

An informal phrase expressing disbelief or skepticism.

FAQs

How can I use "be less than convinced" in a sentence?

You can use "be less than convinced" to politely express doubt or skepticism. For example, "After reviewing the data, I am "be less than convinced" that this approach will be successful."

What are some alternatives to "be less than convinced"?

You can use alternatives like "remain unconvinced", "somewhat skeptical", or "harbor doubts depending on the context.

Which is correct: "I am less than convinced" or "I am not convinced"?

"I am less than convinced" expresses a slightly softer degree of doubt compared to "I am not convinced", which implies a stronger, more definitive stance.

What's the difference between "be less than convinced" and "disagree"?

"Be less than convinced" implies a degree of uncertainty or skepticism, while "disagree" is a direct expression of opposition. The former is often more polite and less confrontational.