is less different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is less different" is correct in written English.
You can use it when comparing two items and indicating that one item is slightly different than the other. For example: "The color of this new car is less different than the last model."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

If gay culture has been so integrated into the mainstream that it is less different, less edgy, is that a loss?

The New York Times

However, this is less different than it sounds, as our letter substitution table turns out to be similar to theirs.

Plosone

Then, each pair of matrices that x% of their appearances on the promoter set were overlapping was clustered and the matrix with the lower information content (i.e., the matrix which is less different from a uniform distribution) was removed.

Plosone

This is less different than one would have wished.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

The PPD for model 2 is less different from the PPD the true model would have generated.

BMC Systems Biology

The variable region nearer to the LCT gene (−13732 to −13806) is less different between milk drinkers and non-milk drinkers.

Human Genetics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The presence of equal amounts of maternally derived transcripts in control and mutant embryos may mask a difference in embryonic transcription, which explains why stc transcript amounts are less different between control and mutant embryos at early embryonic stages.

Aging

It's less different than we'd like to think.

The Guardian - Tech

Human brains turn out to be less different from other animal brains than you might think.

The New York Times - Books

Our meals were less different than we expected, and each yielded as many standouts as the other.

The New York Times - Travel

"In reality, the U.S. and European approaches are less different in effect than they might appear to be on paper," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is less different" when you want to emphasize a slight similarity or downplay the differences between two things. For example, "The updated design is less different than anticipated, with only minor tweaks to the interface."

Common error

Avoid using "is less different" when there are substantial differences between the items being compared. This phrase works best for minor variations, not major distinctions. If the differences are significant, use "is quite different" or "is substantially different" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is less different" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to express a relative degree of similarity between two or more things, suggesting that the differences are minimal. As Ludwig AI explains, this construction is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is less different" serves to highlight similarities while acknowledging minor differences, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, it offers a nuanced way to compare items, emphasizing their resemblance. When writing, be mindful of the context and ensure that the phrase accurately reflects the degree of similarity you intend to convey. If the differences are more pronounced, alternatives like "is quite different" might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not very distinct

Uses a direct synonym for 'different' and adjusts the degree of difference.

is more similar

Emphasizes the likeness rather than the difference.

is nearly the same

Rephrases the comparison to highlight the high degree of sameness.

is hardly disparate

Highlights that the difference between the two items is very little.

is scarcely distinguishable

Highlights the minimal level of distinction between the items being compared.

is virtually identical

Suggests near-perfect resemblance, reducing any difference to almost zero.

is marginally divergent

Points out the slight divergence, underscoring the minimal difference.

is subtly comparable

Indicates that a mild similarity exists, softening the contrast.

is practically equivalent

Expresses that the items are equal in effect or value, disregarding any minor differences.

bears a close resemblance

Focuses on the close similarity in appearance or qualities.

FAQs

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

Use "is less different" to indicate that two items being compared are actually quite similar, with only minor variations. For example, "The new model "is less different" than its predecessor, featuring only a few cosmetic changes."

What phrases are similar to "is less different"?

Similar phrases include "is more similar", "is virtually identical", or "is scarcely distinguishable". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey regarding the degree of similarity.

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

Yes, the phrase "is less different" is grammatically correct. It's used to express that the degree of difference between two things is small.

When is it appropriate to use "is less different" instead of "is not different"?

Use "is less different" when you want to acknowledge that there are some differences, but they are minimal. "Is not different" implies complete equivalence, while "is less different" suggests a subtle distinction.