less acute than

USAGE SUMMARY

'less acute than' is a correct phrase that can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to compare an acute state or situation to a less acute state or situation. For example: The symptoms of her illness were less acute than they had been before she started taking the medication.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Deutsche Telekom's balance-sheet problems are less acute than those of many European rivals, but they are serious nonetheless.

The New York Times

Optimists say the danger is less acute than many fear, for three reasons.

The Economist

He said he believed the problem of social diversity on stage "is, if anything, less acute than the problem in other professions".

The Guardian

Since the second tower collapsed at 10 28 a.m. on Sept. 11, New York's dream life has suffered a shock no less acute than its waking life.

The New York Times

But running near the surface was a separate grief, less acute than that for the victims, perhaps, but more general in its nature.

The New York Times

But Mr. Gore's competition from former Senator Bill Bradley was much less acute than that posed to Mr. Bush by Senator John McCain.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Structurally similar ethyl halides (i.e. ethylene dichloride, ethyl chloride, ethyl bromide) show less acute toxicities than their methyl counterparts, but more pronounced chronic toxicity [ 24].

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

Results: SGS participants showed improved levels of HbA1c 6 months after the DTTP, and less acute complications than the standard group (P<0.009).

Age and Ageing

According to Tjeerdema, petroleum distillates have less acute toxicity than 2-BE, but as hydrocarbons, they're more likely to bioaccumulate in marine life.

Environmental Health Perspectives

This may contribute to the CRTs in Norway reaching patients with less acute needs than in the UK, although there were no significant differences between self-referrals and those who were referred by others.

BMC Health Services Research

The tungsten part of the NW electrode follows the path made by the Au NW and imparts significantly less acute damage than a tungsten tip without the Au NW during the implantation of an electrode.

ACS Nano

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, "less acute than" can effectively describe the diminished impact of a problem or situation compared to another. For example, "The financial crisis in this region is less acute than in other parts of the country."

Common error

Avoid using "less acute than" when describing a situation in isolation, without a clear point of comparison. Ensure there is a specific 'than' element to maintain the comparative meaning. For example, it's better to say 'The problem is less acute than we initially feared' rather than 'The problem is less acute' without any context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less acute than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to indicate that one thing is experiencing a lower degree of intensity, sharpness, or severity compared to another. This assessment aligns with Ludwig AI's analysis and is evident in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

44%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less acute than" is a comparative phrase used to describe a reduced level of intensity or severity between two subjects. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness for various contexts, especially in News & Media and Science. While versatile, it's best used in formal and neutral registers, as shown by the authoritative sources, including The New York Times and The Guardian. When using this phrase, ensure a clear comparison is made to maintain its meaning effectively. If a simpler phrase is needed, consider alternatives like "less severe than".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as severe as

This alternative directly replaces "acute" with "severe", maintaining a similar level of formality and impact.

not as intense as

This replaces "acute" with "intense", focusing on the degree of strength or force.

less serious than

This alternative uses "serious" in place of "acute", focusing on the gravity of the situation.

milder compared to

This uses "milder" to indicate a weaker or gentler state, providing a less formal tone.

not as critical as

This alternative emphasizes the importance or urgency of the situation.

not as sharp as

This replaces "acute" with "sharp", particularly useful when referring to pain or a crisis.

not as pronounced as

This replaces "acute" with "pronounced", suitable for situations where something is less noticeable.

paler in comparison to

Uses a metaphor of color to indicate diminished intensity. The change here makes this alternative less appropriate in clinical settings.

subdued compared to

Replaces the intensity with the idea of something is being toned down.

easier to bear than

Changes from acute to bearable, less direct but similar meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "less acute than" in a sentence?

Use "less acute than" to compare the intensity or severity of two situations or conditions. For example, "The symptoms of the new variant are "less acute than" those of the previous strain".

What's a simpler way to say "less acute than"?

You can use alternatives such as "less severe than" or "less intense than" to convey a similar meaning in a more straightforward manner.

Is it appropriate to use "less acute than" in informal conversation?

While grammatically correct, "less acute than" is more suited for formal or professional contexts. In informal conversations, consider using simpler phrases like "not as bad as".

Can "less acute than" be used to describe emotional states?

Yes, though it's more common to use it for physical or tangible situations. For emotional states, you might prefer alternatives like "less intense than" or "less overwhelming than".