is less spoken

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is less spoken' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use the phrase to compare two languages or dialects, e.g. "In this region, Spanish is more commonly spoken than French, which is less spoken."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Just because it is less heard in public assemblies does not mean it is less spoken in the country.

The Guardian

There is less spoken text than usual and more dancing in the conventional sense, mainly solos that are repeated and seen in new contexts.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The only trouble is that there is less speaking of Welsh in Cardiff than in Caernarvon or Aberystwyth – the two principal rivals for the title.

The Guardian

There was less speaking at this point and mostly just chanting, an attempted flag burning, and a lot of pot smoking.

Vice

He is less defensive speaking in generalities.

The Guardian - Film

Meanwhile, Vince Cable, a man who is less afraid to speak from the heart, would be able to take over without having to mount a disloyal coup.

Independent

Haine is less reserved when speaking about what is behind the seasonal decline in sea ice.

Johns Hopkins University

Some advice for translators wanting to keep their heads above water could include specializing in languages which are less widely spoken.

Forbes

Kahn's mythic stature in American architecture is matched only by that of Frank Lloyd Wright; and even Wright is less likely to be spoken of with such reverence.

The New York Times - Arts

The distinction between who and whom is less important in informal spoken language than it is in formal written language.

WikiHow

To his director, however, the way Mr. Harvard speaks is less memorable than the way he listens.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the prevalence of languages or dialects, use "is less spoken" to clearly indicate a lower frequency of use, for example: "In urban areas, the local dialect "is less spoken" than the national language."

Common error

Avoid using "is less spoken" when you actually mean "is not understood". Speaking and understanding are different aspects of language use.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is less spoken" functions as a comparative descriptor, indicating that something is spoken with lower frequency than something else. It often modifies nouns referring to languages, dialects, or specific terms. Ludwig provides examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is less spoken" is a grammatically sound construction used to indicate that something is spoken with lower frequency compared to something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct. It is frequently used in contexts such as news, science, and academia to describe the prevalence of languages, dialects, or specific terms. While the register is generally neutral, the phrase is suitable for diverse settings. When using "is less spoken", ensure that you are accurately conveying the intended meaning and consider context-specific alternatives like "is not spoken as much" or "is less frequently used" for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not spoken as much

Emphasizes the decreased frequency of speaking the subject language.

is less frequently used

Focuses on the reduced usage rather than specifically speaking.

is not widely used

Highlights the limited scope of usage.

is rarely articulated

Emphasizes the infrequency of verbal expression.

is seldom expressed verbally

Highlights the rarity of verbal expression.

has diminished in usage

Focuses on the decline in popularity over time.

is not often voiced

Highlights the infrequent expression of something.

is fading from usage

Implies a gradual disappearance from common use.

is becoming obsolete

Suggests the subject is no longer in common usage and is disappearing.

is increasingly uncommon

Highlights the growing infrequency.

FAQs

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

You can use "is less spoken" to indicate a language or dialect that is not as commonly used as another. For example, "In this region, the traditional dialect "is less spoken" due to the influence of the national language."

What are some alternatives to "is less spoken"?

Alternatives include "is not spoken as much", "is less frequently used", or "is not widely used", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is less spoken" or should I use another phrase?

"Is less spoken" is grammatically correct and widely used to describe the relative frequency of speaking a particular language or dialect. However, depending on the context you could use phrases such as "is less often heard".

What is the difference between "is less spoken" and "is not understood"?

"Is less spoken" refers to the frequency of use, while "is not understood" refers to comprehension. A language can be spoken frequently but not understood by everyone, or vice versa. For instance, a technical jargon "is less spoken" in daily conversations, but a foreign language may "is not understood" by many.