is less definite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is less definite" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that something is not as certain or clear as it might otherwise be. For example, "The timeline for the project completion is less definite than we originally hoped."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The name of the hero is less definite.

The New York Times - Books

As his tour started, Mr Bouchard was saying that nothing is less definite than a vote this autumn.

The Economist

She is less definite about whether she will remain aligned with the Working Families Party when her two-year term ends.

The New York Times

Special relativity is less definite than classical physics in that both the distance D and time interval T between two events depend on the observer.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Overall, these short chains appear to orientate along the y axis, though the orientation of a single chain is less definite.

Nanoscale Research Letters

As for curators examining the legacy of Mexican lynchings, the archive is less definite, making Valdez's exhibition and catalogue all the more useful and timely.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Ms. Lee's court-appointed lawyer, David A. Smith, also was less definite about Ms. Lee's wishes than he had been.

The New York Times

The small team of international observers co-ordinated by the United Nations has been less definite in its conclusions.

The Economist

Under cross examination, however, they were less definite about whether Leyritz had a red or amber light.

The New York Times - Sports

After that, his plans are less definite.

TechCrunch

Symbols in brackets indicate results that are less definite (the interpretation for the pairings represented by each symbol being less clear) aIdentification based on ITS sequencing (see Table 2) bEach pairing replicated once, at least one positive replicate, and usually both, confirming interfertility cPairings not replicated Fig. 2 Cultural pairing tests.

New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "is less definite", ensure that the context clearly establishes what the subject is being compared to. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

While "is less definite" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your arguments seem weak. Strengthen your writing by replacing it with stronger assertions or quantifiable statements when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is less definite" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to describe the degree of certainty or clarity associated with a particular subject, indicating that it possesses a lower level of definiteness than something else. Ludwig examples highlight this function across news, science and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is less definite" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to indicate a reduced level of certainty or clarity. Analysis of Ludwig examples shows it's commonly found in news, scientific, and wiki contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, highlighting that it can be used when something isn't as certain or clear as it could be. When using the phrase, remember to provide clear context for what you're comparing it to, and consider stronger alternatives for more formal or assertive writing. Recognizing its function, purpose, and register will enable you to deploy it with precision in your own writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is less clear

Focuses on the lack of clarity or easy understanding.

is somewhat unclear

A softer way of saying that something lacks clarity.

is not as certain

Emphasizes a reduction in certainty.

is not as well-defined

Implies a lack of precise boundaries or characteristics.

is more vague

Stresses a lack of specificity or detail.

is more ambiguous

Highlights an increase in ambiguity or multiple interpretations.

is open to interpretation

Suggests that the meaning is subjective and can vary.

lacks precision

Points out the absence of exactness or accuracy.

is subject to speculation

Indicates that the topic is based on conjecture rather than facts.

is not set in stone

Highlights that something is not fixed and can be changed.

FAQs

How can I use "is less definite" in a sentence?

You can use "is less definite" to describe something that is uncertain, unclear, or lacks specific details. For example, "The deadline for the project /s/is+less+definite than we initially planned".

What phrases are similar to "is less definite"?

Alternatives include "is less clear", "is more ambiguous", or "is not as certain", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "is less definite"?

Yes, the phrase "is less definite" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English.

What's the difference between "is less definite" and "is indefinite"?

"Is less definite" implies a comparison to something more certain, while "is indefinite" suggests a complete lack of definition or certainty.