is less understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is less understood" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that someone or something is not well comprehended or not widely known. For example, "The history of this region is less understood than that of its neighbors."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How dendrites are guided to specific targets is less understood.

Stanford University

What is less understood is the role of technology in turning the theory into reality.

The Guardian

It is less understood that listeners have their own development to consider, as well.

The New York Times - Arts

Dynamic response of bridges is, however, a complex phenomenon and is less understood in curved bridges.

Engineering Structures

However, the degradation efficacy of natural solar radiation in shallow fresh waters is less understood.

Science of The Total Environment

However, the functions and profiles of lncRNAs in fruit is less understood.

Gene

However, the effect of periradicular infections of natural teeth on adjacent osseointegrated implants is less understood.

Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontology

The performance impact of privatizing or sharing caches on homogeneous multi-core architectures is less understood.

Microprocessors and Microsystems

The role for other effects on chromatin structure is less understood.

Molecular Cell

What is less understood is the extent to which a complex combination of secondary factors contributes to the decline.

The New York Times - Magazine

However, the detailed mechanisms of HSPC interaction with the BM stroma regarding exclusively the extracellular environment is less understood.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is less understood", be specific about what aspect is not well understood. Providing context enhances clarity and informs the reader about the knowledge gap.

Common error

Avoid using "is less understood" when there is substantial evidence or research available on the topic. Ensure that a genuine gap in knowledge exists before employing this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is less understood" functions as a qualifier, indicating that a particular subject, concept, or phenomenon is not completely or adequately comprehended. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

25%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is less understood" serves as a crucial indicator of knowledge gaps across various domains. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in scientific and news media contexts, it signals areas requiring further research or clarification. While alternatives like ""is not fully understood"" exist, "is less understood" maintains a versatile presence. Remember to use it accurately, ensuring a genuine lack of understanding before employing it. By understanding its function and usage, writers can effectively communicate the boundaries of current knowledge and guide further exploration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not fully understood

Replaces "less" with "not fully", emphasizing the incomplete understanding.

remains poorly understood

Uses "remains poorly" to indicate that understanding has not improved.

is not well-established

Focuses on the lack of solid evidence or confirmation.

is relatively unknown

Highlights the lack of knowledge or awareness.

is not clearly defined

Emphasizes the absence of a precise or distinct explanation.

is shrouded in mystery

Uses a more figurative expression to convey a lack of understanding.

is subject to debate

Indicates that there is no consensus or agreement.

is an open question

Highlights that the issue is unresolved and requires further investigation.

lacks sufficient research

Focuses on the absence of adequate studies or investigations.

is a matter of speculation

Suggests that conclusions are based on guesswork rather than solid evidence.

FAQs

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

You can use "is less understood" to indicate a lack of knowledge or comprehension about a particular topic. For example, "The mechanism behind this phenomenon "is less understood" than its effects."

What are some alternatives to "is less understood"?

Alternatives include "is not fully understood", "remains poorly understood", or "is relatively unknown". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is lesser understood"?

No, "is lesser understood" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrasing is ""is less understood"", using the comparative form "less" instead of "lesser".

What's the difference between "is less understood" and "is misunderstood"?

"Is less understood" means that there is a lack of knowledge or comprehension, while "is misunderstood" implies that something is incorrectly understood. The former suggests a gap in knowledge, while the latter suggests an incorrect interpretation.