but less just

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but less just" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare two things, indicating that one is not as fair or equitable as the other. Example: "The new policy is more efficient but less just than the previous one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

As Samuel Johnson remarked, "I have found the world kinder than I expected but less just".

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

That doesn't make Mr. Freeth's cause any less just, but it does mean that "Mugabe and the White African" needs to be approached with care.

The New York Times

Anything less just won't cut it.

Independent

Many people will say that no matter how bad the service, they will "always leave something, but I will leave less just to show my displeasure".

Huffington Post

SItn up nowaso get the best of VICE Canada delessred straight to your inbox.

Vice

It's sorta like a Segway, but a little less cumbersome (but just as unusual looking to the layman).

TechCrunch

But it is less clear just how far or at what pace he is prepared to go.

The Economist

But two other Walsh accomplishments are less heralded but just as important.

The New York Times - Sports

But there are many other colon cleansing products that are less expensive, but just as effective.

WikiHow

Tom and Gerri, played with uncanny subtlety and tremendous soul by Jim Broadbent and Ruth Sheen, are much more subdued but no less radiant, and just as extreme in their delight.

The New York Times

But just less funny.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but less just" to introduce a contrast where fairness is compromised, even if other positive aspects are present. This is useful in legal, ethical, or moral arguments.

Common error

Avoid using "but less just" when the primary focus is on the positive aspect. If the fairness issue is minor, consider rephrasing to give it less prominence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but less just" functions as a conjunction introducing a qualification or contrast. It typically connects two ideas, where the second idea introduces a compromise in fairness or equity compared to the first. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "but less just" serves as a crucial connector when acknowledging a trade-off between different qualities or outcomes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and most commonly found in news and media contexts. While indicating that something is "correct", it subtly introduces a contrast, suggesting that while there are benefits, fairness is compromised. When writing, it's useful to avoid overemphasizing the 'but' if the fairness issue is minor. Alternatives like "yet somewhat unjust" or "though marginally unfair" can offer similar nuances. By understanding its communicative purpose and potential pitfalls, writers can employ "but less just" to add depth and complexity to their arguments effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yet somewhat unjust

Emphasizes the presence of injustice while still acknowledging another aspect.

though marginally unfair

Highlights a slight degree of unfairness despite other considerations.

however, slightly unjust

Indicates a minor level of injustice in comparison.

while not entirely fair

Suggests that complete fairness is lacking.

but comparatively unjust

Implies a relative lack of justice compared to something else.

though a bit inequitable

Highlights a small degree of inequity.

yet not perfectly equitable

Suggests an absence of perfect equity.

however, somewhat biased

Indicates the presence of bias.

while leaning towards injustice

Highlights a tendency toward injustice.

though not completely impartial

Suggests a lack of full impartiality.

FAQs

How can I use "but less just" in a sentence?

You can use "but less just" to contrast a situation or action that is more efficient or beneficial in some ways, /s/but+comparatively+unfair. For example, "The new system is faster, but less just than the old one".

What are some alternatives to "but less just"?

Alternatives include "yet somewhat unjust", "though marginally unfair", or "however slightly unjust", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "but less just"?

It's appropriate when you want to acknowledge a trade-off where a gain in one area (e.g., efficiency) comes at the expense of fairness or equity.

What's the difference between "but less just" and "but unfair"?

"But unfair" is a more direct and stronger statement of inequity. "But less just" implies a comparative lack of fairness, suggesting it's not entirely unfair, /s/but+not+perfectly+equitable.