less clear than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less clear than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the clarity of two different pieces of information or statements. Example: "The instructions provided were less clear than the previous version, leading to confusion among the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Beyoncé's politics are much less clear than Gaga's.

The New Yorker

Romney's education platform is less clear than Gingrich's.

The Washington Post

The future of the economy and labor market remain, of course, less clear than we'd like.

Stanford University

He said that Iraq's capability and intentions were far less clear than Mr. Bush suggests.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, the actual language of the act was less clear than its intent.

The New York Times

Within the feminist movement, the answer is less clear than one might hope.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The future of hedge funds is less clear than other industries," he added.

The New York Times

When sound came in, leitmotifs proliferated, although their function was less clear than before.

The New Yorker

Two things had, however, been less clear than they are now.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the future of fracking in Europe is less clear than Rasmussen acknowledged.

The Guardian

In the internet era, the answers are less clear than ever.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less clear than", ensure that both items being compared are explicitly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying 'The instructions were less clear', specify 'The instructions were "less clear than" the previous version'.

Common error

Avoid using "less clear than" without a clear point of reference. Ensure the comparison is explicit to prevent confusion for the reader. Don't just say something is "less clear"; specify what it's "less clear than".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less clear than" functions as a comparative, indicating that something has a lower degree of clarity compared to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

36%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less clear than" serves as a versatile tool for comparing the relative clarity of two subjects. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Academia, it effectively conveys a nuanced comparison where one subject lacks the explicitness of another. To maximize clarity, always explicitly state both items being compared. Related alternatives include "not as clear as" and "more ambiguous than". By understanding its function and appropriate usage, you can effectively communicate degrees of clarity in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as clear as

Uses a more direct comparison.

more ambiguous than

Focuses on the ambiguity rather than clarity.

less obvious than

Emphasizes the lack of immediate visibility.

more vague than

Highlights the lack of specificity.

not as straightforward as

Indicates a lack of simplicity.

more obscure than

Stresses the difficulty in understanding.

more uncertain than

Highlights the lack of certainty.

not as well-defined as

Emphasizes the lack of clear boundaries or limits.

more nebulous than

Suggests a hazy or indistinct quality.

not as precise as

Focuses on the lack of exactness.

FAQs

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

You can use "less clear than" to compare the clarity of two different things, for example: "The explanation in the textbook was "less clear than" "the professor's lecture"".

What are some alternatives to "less clear than"?

Alternatives include phrases like "not as clear as", "more ambiguous than", or "more vague than", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "less clear than" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard comparative structure for adjectives in English.

What's the difference between "less clear than" and "less obvious than"?

"Less clear than" refers to the ease of understanding something, while "less obvious than" indicates that something is not immediately apparent. Clarity relates to comprehension, while obviousness relates to visibility or immediate recognition.