is less helpful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is less helpful" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is an adjective phrase that describes the level of assistance or support provided by something or someone. Examples: - The new software update is less helpful than the previous version. - His advice was less helpful than I had hoped. - The instructions were less helpful than the video tutorial. - The new employee's lack of experience made him less helpful in the team project.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

But the comparison is less helpful than it seems.

The New Yorker

She is less helpful when it comes to the actual meaning of such material.

The New York Times - Books

But for "layover ideas" at Heathrow, the app is less helpful.

The New York Times - Tech

And the advice they are getting from federal health officials -- consult your doctor and decide for yourself -- is less helpful than many workers would like.

The New York Times - Health

However, the MPs say that the use of this average is "less helpful and relevant" to students than the most commonly charged fee.

The Guardian

Mr Suzuki has dazzled Seattle fans not just with his batting but his sang-froid.The impact of the new arrivals on Japanese baseball is less helpful.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

And security was less helpful.

The New York Times - Magazine

No description could be less helpful.

The New Yorker

These were less helpful than they seemed.

The Guardian

But it has been less helpful with Iran.

The New York Times

It will be less helpful in the new one.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is less helpful" when you want to politely express that something isn't very effective without being overly critical.

Common error

Avoid using "is less helpful" without specifying what it is less helpful than. Without a point of comparison, the statement lacks clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is less helpful" functions as an adjective phrase, typically used to compare the utility or effectiveness of one thing against another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. This phrase highlights a relative deficiency in providing assistance or benefit.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

34%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is less helpful" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express that something provides a reduced level of assistance compared to an alternative. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is commonly used in various contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and general discussions. When using this phrase, it's essential to provide a clear point of comparison to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "is not as useful" or "is less effective" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Overall, "is less helpful" is a valuable tool for providing constructive feedback and making nuanced comparisons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not as useful

Emphasizes a comparison of utility; suggests something isn't as beneficial as an alternative.

is less effective

Focuses on the reduced impact or outcome of something.

is not very beneficial

Highlights the limited positive impact or advantage.

is of limited assistance

A more formal way of saying something provides only slight help.

is somewhat unhelpful

Indicates a mild degree of being not helpful.

is not particularly useful

Stresses a lack of significant utility.

proves to be inadequate

Highlights that something doesn't meet the required needs.

doesn't offer much support

Focuses on the lack of aid or backing provided.

falls short of being supportive

Implies a failure to provide the expected level of assistance.

is of marginal utility

A technical term suggesting minimal practical value.

FAQs

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

Use "is less helpful" to compare the utility of two or more things, indicating that one provides less assistance or benefit than another. For example, "This approach "is less helpful" than the previous one".

What are some alternatives to "is less helpful"?

You can use alternatives like "is not as useful", "is less effective", or "is not very beneficial" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "is less helpful"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey that something provides a reduced level of support or assistance compared to something else, without being overly negative. It's useful for providing constructive feedback or making nuanced comparisons.

What's the difference between "is less helpful" and "is unhelpful"?

"Is less helpful" implies a comparison and indicates a reduced level of utility, while "is unhelpful" suggests that something provides no assistance at all. "This advice "is less helpful"" suggests it offers some help, but not much, while "This advice is unhelpful" suggests it provides no help.