less attentive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less attentive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is not paying as much attention as they should be, often in comparison to another person or situation. Example: "During the lecture, I noticed that some students were less attentive than others, often looking at their phones instead of the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thus, parents in long-lived species should be less attentive to the nest site if that attentiveness subjects them to the risk of being depredated.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

He had far less attentive care.

The New York Times

His mother wonders if that made the police less attentive.

The New York Times

Service was mixed, and less attentive as the room filled.

The New York Times

They are less attentive in class than they used to be".

The Guardian

Neufeld is less attentive to the moral guilt of American leaders and institutions.

The New York Times - Books

They may become less attentive to schoolwork, irritable and easily distractible, he said.

The New York Times

Exposed to the tough love of a less attentive America, other nations will have to think harder about their security.

The Economist

Still, he is far from the dove some of his less attentive fans imagine him to be.

The Economist

Distractions like cell phones have made drivers less attentive, they say, and congestion is making roads more dangerous for cyclists.

The New York Times

My dad has a less attentive relationship to his cellphone, but after a couple of buzzes he would have answered too.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing levels of attentiveness, be specific about the context. Instead of stating someone is "less attentive", clarify what they are less attentive to and why. For example, "He became less attentive to his studies after starting his new job".

Common error

Avoid using "less attentive" as a blanket statement about a person's character. Attentiveness is often situational. Clearly define the specific area where reduced attention is observed to avoid misrepresentation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less attentive" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating a lower degree of attentiveness compared to a previous state, another person, or a general standard. Ludwig AI examples confirm its role in describing a diminished state of focus or care.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

40%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less attentive" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective phrase for expressing a reduced level of focus or care. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is found across diverse contexts like news, science, and general writing. The phrase works effectively to compare levels of attentiveness, provided the context is clear. Be mindful not to overgeneralize its use, and consider alternative phrasing such as "not as focused" or "more distracted" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rather inattentive

A more formal synonym, emphasizing a general lack of attention without specifying a comparison.

not as focused

Indicates a general lack of concentration. Broader than "less attentive" as it doesn't necessarily imply a prior state of attentiveness.

more distracted

Emphasizes the influence of external stimuli on attention. Suggests attention is being drawn away, differing from a general lack of attentiveness.

not so observant

Implies a reduced ability to notice details. Focuses on perception rather than general attention.

somewhat neglectful

Suggests a failure to provide necessary care or attention. Implies a responsibility that is not being met.

less heedful

Indicates a failure to pay attention to advice or warnings. Emphasizes disregard for guidance.

quite unmindful

Highlights a lack of awareness or consciousness. Suggests a deeper detachment than simple inattentiveness.

a bit careless

Implies a lack of caution or thoroughness, potentially leading to errors or oversights. Focuses on the consequences of inattention.

not very diligent

Suggests a lack of consistent effort or focus. Highlights a work ethic issue more than a simple attention deficit.

fairly detached

Implies an emotional or mental separation, leading to reduced engagement. Focuses on a lack of connection rather than attention.

FAQs

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

You can use "less attentive" to describe a decline in someone's focus or care. For example, "The students were "less attentive" after lunch" or "He became "less attentive" to details as the project dragged on".

What are some alternatives to saying "less attentive"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "not as focused", "more distracted", or "somewhat neglectful" to convey a similar meaning to "less attentive".

Is it correct to say "less attentive" or should I use "less attention"?

"Less attentive" is an adjective phrase describing a state of being, while "less attention" is a noun phrase referring to a reduced amount of focus. The choice depends on what you want to emphasize: the quality of being attentive (less attentive) or the quantity of attention given (less attention).

What's the difference between "less attentive" and "less observant"?

"Less attentive" implies a general decrease in focus or care, while "less observant" specifically means a reduced ability to notice details or surroundings. Someone might be less attentive due to distraction, while being less observant implies a perceptual deficit.