is less evident

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is less evident" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is not as clear or obvious as it might be in other contexts. Example: "While the benefits of the new policy are clear, the drawbacks are less evident at this stage."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Note the evidence of H12 dislocation in AR WT/antiandrogen complexes that is less evident for AR F876L.

eLife

Such a movement is less evident in Congress.

The New Yorker

But in other troubled European economies, abnegation is less evident.

The Economist

Like the umbrella frames, their original function is less evident as one moves farther away.

The New York Times

Yet the relationship between these organizations and business is less evident.

The New York Times

It is less evident that Mr Johnson has a similarly clear sense of direction.

The Economist

That vocabulary is less evident in "Sunset," which nonetheless epitomizes Graham's belief that movement reveals inner emotion.

The New York Times - Arts

What is less evident is why any of the rest of us would care to do so.

The New Yorker

The endearingly quirky side of this free-spirit wannabe is less evident in her performance, and I missed it.

The New York Times

This form of territorial labeling is less evident to humans than the singing or visual displays of birds.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That kind of empathy is less evident in Degas's studies of ballerinas, which seem clinical by comparison.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "is less evident" with a qualifier to add precision. For example, "The impact is less evident in the short term" provides a specific context.

Common error

Avoid using "is less evident" when a direct negation would be clearer. Instead of "The effect is less evident," consider "The effect is not evident" if it is truly absent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is less evident" functions as a qualifier, indicating that something is not as clear or obvious as it might be otherwise. It serves to introduce nuance and suggest a degree of ambiguity or subtlety. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is less evident" serves as a valuable tool for expressing a reduced level of clarity or obviousness. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly employed across various contexts, including science, news media, and encyclopedias. Its strength lies in its ability to convey nuance, suggesting that something is not entirely absent but not immediately apparent. When using "is less evident", consider the context and whether a more direct negation might be clearer. Alternatives such as "is not as obvious" or "is not as apparent" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not as obvious

Emphasizes a lack of immediate clarity.

is not as apparent

Highlights a reduced visibility or recognizability.

is hardly noticeable

Focuses on the difficulty in perceiving something.

is not immediately clear

Stresses that understanding requires further thought.

is somewhat obscured

Suggests something is partially hidden or unclear.

is not readily apparent

Indicates that something isn't easily perceived.

is subtly different

Highlights a slight or delicate variation.

is faintly discernible

Emphasizes the difficulty of perceiving something with precision.

is not strongly indicated

Suggests a weaker level of evidence or pointing towards something.

is only barely perceptible

Implies something is at the very edge of being noticeable.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is less evident" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "is not as apparent" or "is not readily apparent". These options maintain a similar meaning while elevating the level of formality.

What's a simpler way to say "is less evident"?

A simpler alternative to "is less evident" is "is not as obvious". This phrasing is more direct and easily understood in everyday conversation.

When is it appropriate to use "is less evident" in writing?

"Is less evident" is suitable when you want to convey that something is not immediately clear or obvious and requires deeper analysis or observation. It's useful when discussing subtle differences or nuances where a direct negation might be too strong.

Is "is less evident" the same as "is not evident"?

No, "is less evident" implies that something is still present but not easily perceived, whereas "is not evident" suggests that something is entirely absent or imperceptible. The former indicates a matter of degree, while the latter indicates a binary state.