less comfortably

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less comfortably" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or state where someone is not as comfortable as they could be. Example: "She sat less comfortably on the hard bench compared to the plush chair she was used to."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

This comforting press release left a lot of questions hanging less comfortably in the wind.

Independent

What sits less comfortably is O'Brien's post-race evangelism.

The Guardian - Sport

Some senior figures in Mexico and elsewhere may have slept a little less comfortably last night.

The Guardian

But the movie also zooms in on less comfortably titillating aspects of Alice's budding sexuality.

The New York Times

The SLFP won provincial elections in the southern province of Uva in September less comfortably than expected.

The Economist

But he stood out ever less comfortably for failing to practise at home what he preached abroad.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Most of them don't earn enough money to eat, much less live comfortably.

The New Yorker

Most of them do not earn enough money to eat well, much less live comfortably.

The New Yorker

But a teaspoonful of real sugar contains about 15 calories, comfortably less than 1% of your recommended daily allowance, while even a can of Coke contains 7%.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

According to the new data, overall pay in the year to February rose by only 3.9% (see chart), and private-sector pay only by 4.0%, comfortably less than the rate which sounds the alarm in Threadneedle Street.

The Economist

Fidelity's U.S. stock funds have an average expense ratio of 1.26%, comfortably less than the industry's average of 1.56%.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less comfortably" to subtly indicate a reduction in comfort levels, avoiding overly dramatic or negative language. For instance, instead of saying "he was in agony", you could say "he sat less comfortably after the fall."

Common error

Avoid using "less comfortably" when a situation is completely devoid of comfort. For example, instead of saying "he was sleeping less comfortably in the torture chamber", opt for "he was completely uncomfortable".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less comfortably" primarily functions as an adverbial modifier. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate a decrease in the level of comfort associated with an action or state. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

11%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less comfortably" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating a reduction in comfort. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, predominantly news and media. When using "less comfortably", be mindful of the subtle decrease in comfort you wish to convey, and avoid using it in situations where discomfort is absolute. Consider alternatives like "more uncomfortably" or "with greater difficulty" to fine-tune your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more uncomfortably

Reverses the direction of comfort, emphasizing a higher degree of discomfort.

with greater difficulty

Focuses on the increased effort or challenge involved.

in a more strained manner

Highlights the tension or stress associated with the action.

with reduced ease

Emphasizes the lack of smoothness or effortlessness.

in a more awkward position

Specifically refers to physical discomfort or inconvenience.

with more unease

Focuses on the feeling of anxiety or apprehension.

in a tighter spot

Highlights a situation with increased pressure or constraints.

with less contentment

Emphasizes a reduced level of satisfaction or happiness.

under more duress

Highlights that somebody is acting under threat/stress.

with decreased enjoyment

Emphasizes the reduction in pleasure or satisfaction derived.

FAQs

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

Use "less comfortably" to describe a situation where someone or something experiences a reduced level of comfort. For example, "The team won the match, but "less comfortably" than expected."

What are some alternatives to saying "less comfortably"?

You can use phrases like "more uncomfortably", "with greater difficulty", or "with reduced ease" to convey a similar meaning to "less comfortably", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less comfortably"?

Yes, "less comfortably" is grammatically correct and functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or adjective to indicate a reduced level of comfort. As Ludwig AI highlights, this is correct and usable in written English.

What's the difference between "less comfortably" and "more uncomfortably"?

"Less comfortably" indicates a decrease from a previous level of comfort, while "more uncomfortably" suggests an increase in discomfort. The choice depends on whether you're describing a decline in comfort or an increase in discomfort.