less challenging than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less challenging 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 math problem is less challenging than the one we solved yesterday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But Ms. Wilson's sensibility is less challenging than Ms. Simone's, in part because 2002 isn't 1972.

The New York Times - Arts

It has always been, though it's fair to say it is now less challenging than before.

The Guardian

The stage, in fact, turned out to be much less challenging than it seemed on paper.

The New York Times - Sports

For women over 60, formalwear certainly seems less challenging than casual dressing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Her designs are no more or less challenging than Mr. Simons's.

The New York Times

The rutabaga (Brassica napobrassica) is moderately easy to grow, more difficult than the sweet turnip, less challenging than cabbage.

The New York Times

It's important to monitor the numbers, but I personally find it less challenging than when there were number controls".

The Guardian

In fact, this is probably less challenging than performing in a gunpowder works, where the company has also acted.

The Guardian

|  In some ways, it's less challenging than running a small business, said the firm's Lloyd C. Blankfein.

The New York Times

"It's challenging to implement but much less challenging than an international criminal court, which we've done," Martinez-Fraga says.

The Guardian

It is less challenging than the worst examples here (although there is a weird, dank maltiness going on in the background), but still terrible.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less challenging than", ensure you are comparing two specific items or activities. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing. For example, "Learning basic algebra is less challenging than mastering calculus."

Common error

Avoid using "less challenging than" without a clear point of comparison. Saying something is simply "less challenging" lacks context and can confuse the reader. Always specify what it is less challenging than to maintain clarity and precision in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less challenging than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to indicate that one thing is not as difficult as another. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of the phrase, making it a reliable choice for expressing comparisons.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less challenging than" is a grammatically sound and commonly used comparative adjective phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys that one thing is not as difficult as another. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and business writing. When using "less challenging than", it's important to provide a clear point of comparison to avoid ambiguity. Consider using alternatives like "easier compared to" or "not as difficult as" for stylistic variation. The prevalence of this phrase in authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

easier compared to

Emphasizes the ease of one thing relative to another, focusing on simplicity.

not as difficult as

A straightforward comparison of difficulty, highlighting the lower level of challenge.

simpler than

Focuses on the reduced complexity of one thing compared to another.

less demanding than

Highlights the reduced effort or requirements involved.

not as taxing as

Indicates a lower burden or strain.

more manageable than

Emphasizes the greater ease of handling or controlling something.

a breeze compared to

An informal way to express something is very easy in comparison.

palatable compared to

Implies a much easier acceptance, more acceptable than the alternative.

poses less of a hurdle than

Focuses more on the metaphor of overcoming obstacles.

child's play next to

Suggests a drastic difference in difficulty in informal tone.

FAQs

How do I use "less challenging than" in a sentence?

Use "less challenging than" to compare the difficulty of two tasks or activities. For example, "Taking the stairs is "less challenging than" running a marathon."

What are some alternatives to "less challenging than"?

You can use alternatives like "easier compared to", "not as difficult as", or "simpler than" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less challenging than"?

Yes, "less challenging than" is grammatically correct and commonly used to compare the relative difficulty of two things.

What is the difference between ""less challenging than"" and "easier than"?

While both phrases indicate a lower level of difficulty, ""less challenging than"" specifically emphasizes the reduced level of difficulty involved, whereas "easier than" simply focuses on the ease of the activity or task.