is less severe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is less severe" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the intensity or seriousness of two situations, indicating that one is not as harsh as the other. Example: "The new policy is less severe than the previous one, allowing for more flexibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Damage is less severe in its original European range, where the moth has several natural enemies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Further south, the bleaching is less severe.

The Guardian

The infamous boom-and-bust cycle is less severe.

The New Yorker

Most of the times, the disease the patient has – is less severe.

Harvard University

Fortunately for women, female pattern baldness is less severe than the male variety.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The internal class divide is less severe on the Democratic side.

The New Yorker

But as Barack Obama's victory suggests, racial prejudice is less severe today than ever before.

The New York Times - Books

Ecuador's problem is less severe than that of other countries in the region.

The New York Times

In the Montreal region the climate is less severe and less extreme.

Britannica

The effect of the Li2O2-deposit is less severe at large overpotentials.

Electrochimica Acta

The First Presbyterian Church on Nassau Street, while monumental and massive in proportion, is less severe than the Chapel.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the severity of two different situations, ensure that both situations are clearly defined for context. For example, "The economic impact of this policy is less severe than initially projected."

Common error

Avoid using "is less severe" without specifying what it is being compared to. For instance, instead of saying "The injury is less severe", provide a comparison like, "The injury is less severe than the previous one."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is less severe" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It describes a state or condition by indicating that it has a lower degree of intensity, seriousness, or impact compared to something else, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

12%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is less severe" serves as a comparative adjective phrase, indicating that something is not as intense or serious as something else. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used across varied contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While the phrase maintains a neutral register, it is essential to provide a clear comparison to avoid ambiguity. Some alternatives include "is milder" and "is not as intense". As noted by Ludwig AI, "is less severe" is indeed a versatile and correct phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not as intense

Emphasizes a reduction in intensity.

is not as serious

Highlights a decrease in the level of seriousness.

is milder

Suggests a gentler or more moderate form.

is not as critical

Indicates a lower level of criticality or urgency.

is not as extreme

Conveys a reduction in extremity or radicalness.

is more manageable

Suggests improved ability to control or handle a situation.

is easier to handle

Implies reduced difficulty in dealing with something.

is of a lighter nature

Indicates a less weighty or burdensome character.

doesn't hit as hard

Highlights a reduced impact or force.

is diminished in impact

Stresses the lessened effect or influence.

FAQs

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

Use "is less severe" to compare the intensity or impact of two things. For example, "The symptoms of the new variant /s/are+less+severe than those of the original strain".

What are some alternatives to "is less severe"?

You can use alternatives like "is milder", "is not as intense", or "is not as serious" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is less severe" or "is least severe"?

"Is less severe" compares two things, while "is least severe" identifies the minimum severity among three or more. Use "is less severe" when comparing only two items. Use "is least severe" when comparing three or more items.

What's the difference between "is less severe" and "is not as severe"?

The phrases "is less severe" and "is not as severe" are largely interchangeable, both indicating a reduced degree of intensity or impact. However, "is less severe" might subtly imply a direct comparison, while "is not as severe" can function as a general observation.