however less so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "however less so" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where you want to contrast two ideas, indicating that one is true to a lesser extent than the other, but it is awkwardly phrased. Example: "The first option is appealing; however, less so than the second option, which offers more benefits."

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Users, however, less so.

TechCrunch

This approach appears to be more familiar in architecture; however, less so in mechanical engineering.

Mechanism and Machine Theory

53 We know little about the mental health outcomes of bullies in childhood, but there are some suggestions that they may also be at slightly increased risk of depression or self-harm, 33 45 however, less so than victims.

Archives of Disease in Childhood

Having ever been a victim of physical or sexual abuse was also associated with higher ED prevalence (particularly BN), however less so was child sexual abuse per se, which had been assessed by a greater number of studies but returning mostly null effects.

Clinical Epidemiology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

This, however, is less so.

The Guardian - Sport

However, much less so in fragile states.

The Guardian - Opinion

Appeals for intervention in Congo are utterly unrealistic.Appeals to the governments of the neighbours sucked into Congo's war may, however, be less so.

The Economist

He is, however, rather less so when it comes to the patient, long-term strategic thinking on which lasting success is usually founded.

The Economist

His legal record, however, is less so.

Huffington Post

A mandatory neurology rotation was also reported to be helpful, however significantly less so than increasing teaching and patient exposure (p = 0.002 and < 0.001 respectively).

BMC Medical Education

Next year, however, should be less so (though it might not be; there are risks).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "however less so" to introduce a contrast where the second element is true to a smaller degree than the first. Ensure the contrast is clear and the reduced degree is significant enough to warrant the qualification.

Common error

Avoid using "however less so" when a simpler contrast would suffice. If the difference is minimal or insignificant, a straightforward 'but' or 'yet' may be more appropriate and less cumbersome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "however less so" functions as an adverbial phrase introducing a contrast or qualification. It indicates that a statement is true, but to a lesser extent than a previous one. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is acceptable but can be awkwardly phrased.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "however less so" is a phrase used to introduce a contrast where the second element is true but to a lesser extent than the first. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig suggests that it is awkwardly phrased and encourages writers to consider clearer alternatives such as "though not as much" or "but to a lesser extent". It appears most frequently in news and scientific contexts, but its overall usage is rare. As such, writers should use it judiciously, ensuring the contrast is significant enough to warrant the qualification and that a simpler expression wouldn't be more effective. Ludwig also states that this sentence isn't standard in written English, but it could be used in contexts where you want to contrast two ideas, indicating that one is true to a lesser extent than the other.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

though not as much

Emphasizes the reduced degree of something compared to something else.

but to a lesser extent

Highlights the limited degree to which something applies.

yet to a smaller degree

Indicates a contrast with a diminished magnitude.

while not as significantly

Focuses on the lower significance of one thing compared to another.

although not to the same level

Clearly states that something doesn't reach the same intensity or standard.

even if not as profoundly

Emphasizes that the depth or impact is less.

albeit to a reduced degree

Formally acknowledges the smaller extent of something.

not as intensely

Highlights a lower level of intensity.

in a diminished capacity

Indicates a reduced ability or power.

to a more limited extent

Emphasizes the restricted scope or range.

FAQs

How can I use "however less so" in a sentence?

Use "however less so" to indicate a contrast where the second part is true to a lesser degree. For example: "The initial plan was successful; however, "less so" the subsequent adjustments."

What are some alternatives to "however less so"?

You can use alternatives such as "though not as much", "but to a lesser extent", or "while not as significantly" to express a similar meaning. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "however less so" grammatically correct?

While not ungrammatical, "however less so" is somewhat awkward. Ludwig indicates that it's acceptable but advises considering clearer alternatives for better flow and readability.

What's the difference between "however less so" and "but not as much"?

Both phrases express a contrast with reduced intensity. "However less so" is a more compact way to state it, while "but not as much" might be clearer and more direct in certain contexts.