is less effective

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is less effective" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare the effectiveness of two or more methods, strategies, or approaches, indicating that one is not as effective as another. Example: "While the new marketing strategy has its merits, it is less effective than the previous approach in reaching our target audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An LRA that is less effective is properly credited where the net effect is positive.

Columbia University

The supporting cast is less effective.

The New York Times - Arts

This is less effective than bright light.

The New York Times - Health

Shorter or longer is less effective.

The New Yorker

However, marketing differentiation is less effective.

BRQ Business Research Quarterly

But it is less effective than the other drugs.

The New York Times - Health

It is less effective but it's politically more acceptable.

The New York Times

It is less effective on oil-based stains".

The New York Times

If they guess wrong, the vaccine is less effective.

The New York Times

In truth, my Cameron is less effective than my Johnson.

The Guardian

The audit model is less effective for detecting age bias.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two or more methods or strategies, use "is less effective" to clearly indicate which one yields weaker results. Ensure the comparison is explicit to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "is less effective" without providing context or comparison. Clearly specify what the subject is less effective than to ensure clarity and avoid misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is less effective" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It serves to describe a subject's diminished ability to produce a desired result or outcome, relative to another subject or standard. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard and usable comparison.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is less effective" is a grammatically correct and frequently used comparative adjective phrase that serves to indicate a diminished level of efficacy. Ludwig AI confirms its standard usage. It's commonly found in diverse contexts such as news, scientific literature, and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure that you clearly specify what the subject is being compared to in order to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "is not as effective" or "is inferior" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Remember to avoid overgeneralization and provide sufficient context for clear understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not as effective

Uses a different structure but conveys the same meaning of reduced effectiveness.

is less efficient

Focuses on efficiency, implying that the same result requires more resources or time.

is less potent

Indicates a reduced strength or intensity in achieving a specific outcome.

is less successful

Highlights the diminished probability of achieving the desired result.

is inferior

Denotes a lower quality or standard compared to something else.

is suboptimal

Suggests that the method or approach is not producing the best possible results.

is weaker

Implies a reduction in power, force, or impact.

is inadequate

Indicates that something is not sufficient or suitable for a particular purpose.

falls short

Suggests that something does not meet the required standard or expectation.

doesn't work as well

A more informal way of saying something is not as effective.

FAQs

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

You can use "is less effective" to compare the efficacy of two or more things. For example: "While the new drug has shown some promise, it "is less effective" than the standard treatment."

What are some alternatives to "is less effective"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "is not as effective", "is inferior", or "is suboptimal", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between saying "is less effective" and "is ineffective"?

"Is less effective" implies that something has some effect, but not as much as something else. "Is ineffective" means that something has no effect at all.

Which is correct: "is less effective" or "is of less effectiveness"?

"Is less effective" is the more common and natural phrasing. "Is of less effectiveness" is grammatically correct but sounds more formal and less fluid.