less an issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less an issue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is less of a problem than it had been. For example: "Since we implemented the new safety protocols, workplace injuries have become less an issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

WENDELL STEAVENSON: I think the problems with these elections was less an issue of timing than of procedure.

The New Yorker

It is the mental side that has been a problem for her, although that seems less an issue these days.

The New York Times

But the weather is less an issue in Great Neck because of its liberal use of mail-in votes.

The New York Times

But according to MIT entrepreneurs, spinning out a startup is less an issue of reward than a matter of driving forward a mission.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But it turns out, he says, that how close the buildings are set is less an issue than how closely the floors are aligned.

The New York Times

So it might seem that animal welfare is no more or less an issue for pet food than it is for human food.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

As we get older peer pressure becomes less and less of an issue.

HuffPost

The politically "safer" and less controversial an issue is, the less public support is necessary for it to become law.

University of Chicago

"Radio has been less of an issue".

The New York Times

But valuation has become less of an issue.

The Economist

(Darwyn's race is even less of an issue).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less an issue" when you want to convey that something is not as problematic or important as it once was. For instance, "Since the new regulations were implemented, safety concerns are less an issue."

Common error

Avoid using "less an issue" when the problem is completely resolved. This phrase is best suited for situations where the concern is reduced, not eliminated. A completely resolved problem would be "no longer an issue" rather than "less an issue".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less an issue" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a reduced level of concern or importance. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to show a decrease in the significance of something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

18%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less an issue" is a valuable phrase for expressing that a problem or concern has diminished in importance. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Science. While it conveys a reduction in significance, it's essential to avoid using it when the problem has been completely resolved; in such cases, "no longer an issue" would be more appropriate. Remember to use this phrase to demonstrate that the concern is diminished, but not absent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not so much of a problem

Rephrases "issue" as "problem" and uses a slightly more informal tone.

a smaller concern

Focuses on the reduced level of worry or anxiety.

of diminishing importance

Highlights the decreasing relevance or significance.

not as significant

Emphasizes the reduced impact or consequence.

a reduced priority

Indicates that something has been moved lower on a list of important items.

less of a hassle

Focuses on the reduced level of inconvenience or difficulty.

not as pressing

Highlights the decreased urgency or need for immediate action.

less burdensome

Emphasizes the reduced weight or strain.

a lighter load

Uses a metaphor to express the reduced difficulty or responsibility.

subsiding concern

Focuses on the gradual decrease in worry or anxiety.

FAQs

How can I use "less an issue" in a sentence?

You can use "less an issue" to indicate that something is not as problematic or important as it once was. For example, "Since the software update, compatibility issues are "less an issue"."

What's a formal alternative to "less an issue"?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "of diminishing importance" or "not as significant" to convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone. For example, "The matter of resource allocation is "of diminishing importance" following the budget revisions."

Is it correct to say "less of an issue" instead of "less an issue"?

While "less of an issue" is also grammatically correct and commonly used, "less an issue" is a concise alternative that effectively conveys the same meaning. Both are acceptable depending on your preferred style.

What's the difference between "less an issue" and "no longer an issue"?

"Less an issue" suggests a reduction in the severity or importance of a problem, while "no longer an issue" indicates that the problem has been completely resolved or eliminated. For example, "Customer complaints are "less an issue" since the new service policy" versus "Customer complaints are "no longer an issue" since the refund was issued.