less clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less clear" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not as clear or certain as it should be or as it used to be. For example, "The instructions for the assignment are less clear than they were last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is less clear.

The New York Times

Less clear is why.

The New York Times - Science

His destination is less clear.

The New York Times - Sports

That answer was less clear.

The New York Times

Minaya's situation is less clear.

The New York Times

Red's significance is less clear.

The Economist

Vinik's views are less clear.

The New York Times - Sports

Sometimes it's less clear cut.

The Guardian

How much is less clear.

The New York Times

Now, things are less clear.

The Economist

Sometimes it's less clear.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less clear", ensure the comparison is explicit or easily understood from the context. Avoid ambiguity by stating what it is less clear than.

Common error

Avoid using "less clear" without a clear point of reference. Readers need to understand what the subject is being compared to for the statement to be meaningful. Example: Instead of "The situation is less clear", specify "The situation is less clear than it was last month."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less clear" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a reduced level of clarity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less clear" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative adjective phrase. Ludwig AI states that you can use it to convey a diminished level of clarity or understanding. It is versatile, fitting well in both formal and informal contexts, and especially prevalent in news, media, and scientific writing. When employing this phrase, be sure to provide a clear comparison to avoid ambiguity, specifying what it is less clear than. Keep in mind other alternatives, such as "more ambiguous" or "less obvious", depending on the specific nuance you wish to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more ambiguous

Uses "ambiguous" to emphasize a lack of distinctness or certainty, shifting the focus from clarity to the presence of multiple possible interpretations.

less obvious

Focuses on the lack of immediate visibility or understandability, rather than the overall clarity.

more uncertain

Highlights the lack of sureness or definiteness, shifting the emphasis to the level of confidence associated with the information.

not as straightforward

Emphasizes a lack of simplicity and directness, rather than just a lack of clarity.

not well-defined

Highlights the lack of precise boundaries or characteristics, focusing on definition rather than general clarity.

murkier

Implies a sense of obscurity and confusion, adding a layer of complexity beyond simple lack of clarity.

more convoluted

Suggests something is unnecessarily complicated and therefore difficult to understand, adding a negative connotation.

cloudier

Emphasizes the lack of transparency and lucidity, suggesting that something is obscured or hidden.

vaguer

Stresses the lack of precision and detail, making something difficult to grasp firmly.

harder to discern

Focuses on the difficulty in perceiving or recognizing something, rather than its inherent clarity.

FAQs

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

You can use "less clear" to describe something that is not as easily understood or defined as something else. For instance, "The reasons behind the decision are "less clear" than the immediate consequences".

What is a good alternative to "less clear"?

Alternatives include "more ambiguous", "less obvious", or "more uncertain" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "less clear" or "not clear"?

"Less clear" implies a comparison, suggesting that something was previously clearer or is clearer in another context. "Not clear" simply states a lack of clarity without a direct comparison.

When should I use "less clear" versus "unclear"?

Use "less clear" when you want to indicate a degree of clarity that is diminished. Use "unclear" when something lacks clarity altogether. For example, "The initial results were promising, but the long-term effects are "less clear"." versus "The instructions were completely "unclear"".