less apparently

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less apparently" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where you want to indicate something is less obvious or evident than it seems. Example: "The solution was less apparently straightforward than it first appeared."

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"I would have preferred a name a bit more interesting or enchanting and less apparently descriptive".

The New York Times - Travel

But since then it has flourished, despite a subject arguably even more scandalous and less apparently political than "Wozzeck".

The Economist

This compositional device is more subtle and often more pleasing aesthetically than symmetrical balance, for its effect is less apparently contrived and more varied.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He spoke out often against the Baptist hospital, less apparently because it was American than out of suspicion that workers tried to convert Muslims.

The New York Times

This year it issued new instructions to the judges, in red ink no less, apparently as a signal to the judges that it was O.K. to nominate writers whose books were widely read.

The New York Times - Books

Unfortunately, for all Blake's professions that Sam could "read him", down to his "very core" no less, apparently this didn't also include "for a period of more than a few weeks".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Also present are less apparently-useful characters including, "Mantelpiece Clock," "Left Hand Telephone Receiver," and "Trackball".

Vice

Unlike the two younger women, whose disappearances inspired vigils, posters and police task forces, Ms. Knight received much less attention, apparently because the police regarded her as a runaway.

The New York Times

(Conversation with passengers is much less distracting, apparently because those passengers are also aware of the traffic situation and moderate their conversation).

The Economist

As time goes on, though, Mr. Fadl needs less persuading, apparently thrilled by the chance to play a historic role and atone for his own history.

The New York Times

The vibration motor (right, below) has been switched out for a nicer one that's less buzzy, apparently.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less apparently", consider if a more direct synonym like "less obviously" would improve clarity for your audience. The phrase should be reserved for situations where you specifically want to highlight the initial deceptive appearance.

Common error

Avoid using "less apparently" in highly formal or academic writing where precision is key. Opt for more explicit phrasing to minimize ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "the effect was less apparently significant", try "the effect's significance was not statistically significant".

Linguistic Context

Less apparently functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the degree to which something is evident or obvious. As shown in Ludwig, it typically modifies adjectives or adverbs, softening the clarity or directness of a statement. The Ludwig AI also suggests a variety of alternatives for improved clarity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Less apparently is an adverbial phrase used to indicate that something is not as obvious as it initially seems. While grammatically correct, it's not always the most direct or common phrasing. Ludwig suggests that alternatives like "less obviously" or "not as clearly" often provide improved clarity. This phrase appears most frequently in news and media, with occasional use in scientific and encyclopedic contexts. Consider the specific nuance you wish to convey when choosing between "less apparently" and its alternatives, ensuring that your writing is both accurate and easily understood. Ludwig AI suggests that the phrase is not incorrect, although there are better options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less obviously

Directly states something is not as clear.

not so obviously

Similar to "less obviously" but with a slightly different emphasis.

not as clearly

Uses a more common phrasing for expressing reduced clarity.

less visibly

Focuses on visual evidence being diminished.

less evidently

Emphasizes a lack of clear evidence.

not so evidently

Mirrors "less evidently" but with a different grammatical structure.

less noticeably

Highlights reduced visibility or ease of being noticed.

less plainly

Indicates a lack of straightforwardness or clarity.

not as straightforward

Shifts the focus to the directness of something.

less conspicuously

Highlights that something is less easy to see.

FAQs

What does "less apparently" mean?

The phrase "less apparently" suggests that something is not as obvious or evident as it might initially seem. It implies a degree of hiddenness or subtlety.

What can I say instead of "less apparently"?

You can use alternatives like "less obviously", "not as clearly", or "less visibly" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "less apparently"?

Yes, using "less apparently" is grammatically correct, although it may not always be the most concise or common phrasing. Consider whether a more direct alternative, such as "less obviously", would be clearer.

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

You can use "less apparently" to modify an adjective or adverb, indicating a reduced degree of obviousness. For example: "The solution was "less apparently" straightforward than it first appeared."