less arduous than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less arduous than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the difficulty of two tasks or situations, indicating that one is easier than the other. Example: "This new software update is less arduous than the previous version, making it easier for users to navigate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The road to a plant-based diet is less arduous than it might seem.

The New York Times - Health

Ms. Cotter said the implant surgery was less arduous than she expected.

The New York Times - Health

Coaching was indeed more profitable (the coaches I knew charged more than most therapists) and less arduous than therapy.

The New York Times - Magazine

Further good news: in most cases, treatment today -- surgery as well as bracing -- is less arduous than in years past.

The New York Times - Health

Hill and his men found the going in Boquillas less arduous than expected, and filled in a new section of the map.

The New Yorker

The journey the migrants make from Turkey is less arduous than that from Libya to Italy – but is still highly dangerous.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Stanford argues, however, it would have been a less arduous undertaking than might be expected.

The Guardian

Michael Spyres's tenor has sounded more mellifluous in less arduous roles than Mitridate, but he's equal to Mozart's two-octave leaps, and his furious vengeance aria is especially impressive.

The Guardian - Music

It would originate from a New York studio, and thus promise a less arduous travel schedule than she has now and more time with her husband, the director Mike Nichols.

The New Yorker

"There are tens of thousands of people who want to give all kinds of amounts". The absence of serious primary competition means fundraising will be less arduous for Clinton than for Republican hopefuls, he said.

Los Angeles Times

To support this view, Mr O'Hanlon argues persuasively that holding back a North Korean advance would be less arduous a military task than Pentagon planners seem to assume.This scaling down of Pentagon goals, he argues, should allow a reduction in the size, though not the number, of the armed forces' components carrier groups, army divisions and so on.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing tasks, use "less arduous than" to emphasize a noticeable reduction in difficulty or effort. It suggests that while some effort is still required, it's significantly less than another task.

Common error

While "arduous" is a valid word, consider your audience. In informal contexts, using simpler alternatives like "easier" or "less difficult" can make your writing more accessible and relatable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less arduous than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to qualify a noun or situation by indicating that it is easier or requires less effort compared to something else. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is usable and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less arduous than" is a comparative adjective phrase used to indicate that one task or situation is easier or requires less effort than another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, indicating its suitability for objective comparisons. While alternatives like "easier than" exist, "less arduous than" provides a more nuanced and sophisticated way to describe a reduction in difficulty. When writing, consider your audience and choose the most appropriate level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

easier than

Direct synonym focusing on simplicity.

not as difficult as

Emphasizes the lower level of difficulty.

simpler than

Highlights the comparative simplicity.

more straightforward than

Focuses on the directness and lack of complications.

less challenging than

Replaces "arduous" with a more common synonym for difficulty.

not as taxing as

Highlights the reduced strain or burden.

lighter than

Uses "lighter" metaphorically to describe reduced effort.

more manageable than

Emphasizes the ease of handling or controlling the task.

less demanding than

Highlights the reduced requirements or expectations.

not as strenuous as

Replaces "arduous" with a synonym emphasizing physical effort.

FAQs

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

Use "less arduous than" to compare two tasks, highlighting that one requires significantly less effort. For instance, "Completing the online form is "less arduous than" filling out the paper version by hand".

What are some alternatives to "less arduous than"?

Alternatives include "easier than", "not as difficult as", or "simpler than". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "less arduous than" formal or informal?

"Less arduous than" is generally considered more formal. In informal settings, "easier than" is often a better choice. For example, saying "The hike was easier than I expected" sounds more natural in casual conversation than "The hike was less arduous than I anticipated".

Which is correct: "less arduous than" or "not as arduous as"?

Both "less arduous than" and "not as arduous as" are grammatically correct. However, "less arduous than" directly compares the level of difficulty, while "not as arduous as" emphasizes that one option isn't as challenging as the other. The choice depends on your desired emphasis.