less anxious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less anxious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing levels of anxiety, indicating a reduction in anxious feelings or states. Example: "After practicing mindfulness, I felt less anxious about the upcoming presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Grandparents are less anxious.

The Guardian

However, politicians in Iran appear less anxious.

The Guardian

Other bid cities were less anxious.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm addition, I feel less anxious about college life". "Fantastic..

Cornell University

And we'd be a bit less anxious, to boot.

University of California, Berkeley

Russia is less anxious than America about Israel's security.

The Economist

As a result, those rats became less anxious and fearful.

The Economist

In the experiment, the fish became less anxious.

The New York Times - Science

That's what really makes me feel less anxious.

The Guardian - Opinion

I learned to be patient, less anxious, more open.

The Washington Post

"I leave feeling more balanced and less anxious," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, follow "less anxious" with a 'about' phrase or a 'than' clause to specify the source or comparison point of the anxiety reduction, such as "less anxious about the presentation" or "less anxious than before the meditation session."

Common error

Avoid using "less anxious" without context. Vague statements like "I feel less anxious" lack impact. Instead, pinpoint the cause, for example: "I feel less anxious about traveling after planning the itinerary."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less anxious" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a subject to indicate a reduced state of anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use. It quantifies the degree of anxiety experienced, suggesting a comparative state rather than an absolute absence of anxiety.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less anxious" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a reduction in feelings of worry or unease. According to Ludwig AI, its proper usage is well-established, and is observed across various contexts, especially in news, academic, and scientific domains. The phrase functions as a descriptive adjective, expressing an improved emotional state. When using "less anxious", it's best practice to specify the cause of the anxiety or provide a comparison point to enhance clarity. Alternatives such as "more relaxed", "calmer", and "less worried" can be used depending on the specific nuance needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less worried

Directly addresses a reduction in concern or preoccupation with problems.

less apprehensive

Indicates a decrease in feelings of unease or dread about future events.

less stressed

Focuses on the reduction of pressure or strain, either emotional or physical.

more at ease

Focuses on comfort and relaxation rather than the reduction of anxiety.

more relaxed

Highlights a decrease in tension, can be physical and/or mental.

calmer

Emphasizes tranquility and serenity, suggesting a more profound state of reduced agitation.

more composed

Suggests a greater level of self-control and emotional stability.

more peaceful

Highlights a sense of inner harmony and absence of disturbance.

more tranquil

Emphasizes a deep sense of calm and quietude.

less perturbed

Indicates a reduction in feelings of disturbance or agitation.

FAQs

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

You can use "less anxious" to describe a state of reduced anxiety, such as, "After the workshop, I felt "less anxious" about public speaking".

What are some alternatives to saying "less anxious"?

Alternatives include "more relaxed", "calmer", "less worried", or "more at ease", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less anxious"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Less" is used to indicate a smaller amount or degree of something uncountable, and "anxious" is an adjective describing a state of worry or unease. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "less anxious" is correct and usable in written English.

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

"Less anxious" implies a reduction in anxiety, while "not anxious" suggests a complete absence of anxiety. For example, someone who is "less anxious" about a test might still feel some nervousness, whereas someone who is "not anxious" feels completely calm.