less Russian

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less Russian" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a reduced or diminished association with Russian culture, language, or characteristics. Example: "The new restaurant has a menu that is less Russian than its predecessor, focusing more on European cuisine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Less Russian.

Independent

You couldn't get less Russian than that, it seemed.

The New York Times - Arts

Ukraine has used less Russian gas this year than it promised to buy.

The Economist

The next instance was much less grand, and certainly less Russian, in scale, and more satisfying since I actually remember it.

The New York Times - Magazine

For Obama and the US, sure, there might be less Russian help on Syria going forward – not that there was much to begin with – and it could perhaps affect negotiations on Iran.

The Guardian - Opinion

I'd realized the day before that English was not going to get me very far, and I'd have to make do with a little German, less Russian, nonexistent Czech, and an awful lot of sign language.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

On the surface, the more sanctions are increased the less Russians seem to become worried.

The Guardian

Estimates of the total cost of Russian daily expense in Syria have ranged anywhere from 2.5 million to 4 million dollars a day, but the common denominator is that the conflict costs the Russian government far more than many Russians are happy with, with less Russians supporting their county's efforts in the war in 2016 than the previous year.

Huffington Post

And less glowering Russian boyars hovering in the background.

The Guardian - Film

With local financing still scarce and expensive, smaller and less indebted Russian companies also need to raise equity to restart stalled expansion plans.

The New York Times

The station is essentially complete, but NASA is trying to stock the lab with spare parts and equipment as a hedge against potential problems after the station becomes dependent on smaller, less capable Russian, Japanese and European cargo craft.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less Russian" to accurately describe a diminishing association with Russian culture, language, or influence. Consider the context to ensure this phrasing is the most precise way to convey the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "less Russian" when a more specific descriptor is available. For instance, instead of saying "the dish is less Russian", specify which ingredients or preparation methods have changed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less Russian" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. As evidenced by Ludwig, it is used to indicate a reduced degree of Russian influence, origin, or characteristic in a given context. This aligns with the general use of "less" to denote a smaller quantity or degree.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less Russian" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate a reduced degree of Russian influence or characteristics. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, showing examples primarily from news and media sources. When using this phrase, it's important to consider more precise descriptors and maintain clarity. Alternatives like "not as Russian" or "decreasingly Russian" can offer subtle differences in meaning. Be precise in your language to ensure your writing is both accurate and effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as Russian

Uses a comparative structure to indicate a lower degree of Russian influence or characteristic.

less influenced by Russia

Emphasizes the reduced impact or effect of Russian culture or politics.

not very Russian

Indicates a weak or minimal connection to Russian identity.

decreasingly Russian

Highlights a trend of diminishing Russian influence over time.

becoming less Russian

Focuses on the process of something losing its Russian qualities.

drifting away from Russian

Suggests a gradual separation or divergence from Russian norms.

moving away from Russian

Indicates a deliberate shift away from Russian practices or affiliations.

showing fewer Russian traits

Highlights the visible reduction of Russian characteristics or features.

with reduced Russian elements

Identifies a composition or structure with fewer components of Russian origin.

exhibiting less Russian influence

Points to a decline in the impact of Russian culture or politics on something.

FAQs

How can I use "less Russian" in a sentence?

You can use "less Russian" to describe something that has a diminished association with Russian culture, language, or influence. For example, "The restaurant's menu is "less Russian" than before."

What are some alternatives to saying "less Russian"?

Alternatives to "less Russian" include "not as Russian", "less influenced by Russia", or "decreasingly Russian", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "less Russian" or "fewer Russian"?

The correct phrase is "less Russian". "Less" is used with uncountable nouns, while "fewer" is used with countable nouns. In this case, "Russian" is referring to an abstract quality or characteristic, making it uncountable.

What's the difference between "less Russian" and "not Russian"?

"Less Russian" implies a decrease or reduction in Russian characteristics, while "not Russian" suggests a complete absence of them. For instance, a dish that is "less Russian" might still have some Russian elements, whereas a dish that is "not Russian" would have none.