but less well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but less well" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare two things, indicating that one is not as effective or proficient as the other. Example: "She plays the piano beautifully, but less well than her sister."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Mr. Mercer-Taylor's is perhaps more directly written but less well edited.

The New York Times - Books

But less well understood is how people recover from strenuous physical activity in orbit.

The Guardian

But less well known are his caricatures of the stars of opera.

The New York Times - Arts

Bellows is a superstar of American painting but less well known in Europe.

The Guardian - Arts

The fear of loss was a better motivator than the prospect of gain (which worked too, but less well).

The Economist

Moreover, compared to workers in those regions, Latin Americans tend to be better paid but less well educated.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

For one, the job prospects aren't nearly as promising as they are in the field's more mainstream--but less well-known--branch.

Science Magazine

But less well-known artists still rely on smaller venues.

The Guardian - Opinion

But less well-known artists command attention, too.

The New York Times

Take the United States Forest Service, the bigger but less well-known cousin of the National Park Service.

The New York Times

There have been demonstrations in poor districts of Caracas, but less well-off Venezuelans remain reluctant to back the opposition.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but less well" to directly contrast two related items or actions, emphasizing that one is inferior or less effective than the other. This phrasing is particularly useful in comparisons where a subtle distinction is important.

Common error

Avoid using "but less well" as a mere negative statement. This phrase is meant for comparisons, not for simply stating the absence of a quality. For example, instead of "The cake wasn't good, but less well", consider "The cake was acceptable, but less well decorated than the pie."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but less well" primarily functions as an adversative conjunction to introduce a contrast, specifying that while something is done or exists, it is not to the same degree of quality or effectiveness as something else. This is consistent with Ludwig's assessment that it follows standard grammatical rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science & Research

2%

Arts

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but less well" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed conjunction phrase used to express a contrast in quality or effectiveness. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it's suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While direct and simple, the phrase precisely communicates that one thing is inferior or not as proficient as another. When using "but less well", ensure it serves as a direct comparison to avoid misuse. Consider alternatives like "though not as effectively" or "however, to a lesser extent" for similar expressions. With numerous examples from authoritative sources such as The Guardian and The New York Times, its validity and applicability are well-established.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

though not as effectively

Emphasizes a contrast in effectiveness.

although not as good

Highlights a difference in quality.

however, to a lesser extent

Indicates a reduced degree or scope.

yet not so proficiently

Focuses on a contrast in skill or expertise.

while not as skillfully

Similar to 'proficiently' but emphasizes skill.

but with less success

Highlights a difference in outcome.

even if not perfectly

Suggests an imperfection or deficiency.

but to a smaller degree

Indicates a reduced quantity or level.

though with reduced efficacy

Focuses on a contrast in the ability to produce a desired result.

albeit not as optimally

Suggests the condition is not ideal.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "but less well" in a sentence?

Use "but less well" to draw a contrast between two subjects where one performs a specific action with less proficiency than the other. For example, "He sings beautifully, "but less well" than his brother".

What are some alternatives to using "but less well" in my writing?

Consider using phrases like "though not as effectively", "although not as good", or "however to a lesser extent" for similar meanings.

How does the meaning of "but less well" differ from "but not as good"?

"But less well" specifically focuses on the quality of execution or performance, while "but not as good" is a more general assessment of overall quality. While similar, the former is often used for specific skills or actions.

Is it grammatically correct to use "but less well" in formal writing?

Yes, "but less well" is grammatically correct and acceptable in formal writing. It is used to make a comparative statement, indicating a difference in quality or effectiveness. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples from reputable sources.