less complex

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less complex" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "Computers have become less complex in recent years, making them easier to use."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The men's moves are less complex.

The New York Times - Style

The international experience is no less complex.

The New York Times

The snails' farms are much less complex.

The Guardian

Yours, happily, seems like a less complex conundrum.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It happens with far less complex circumstances too.

The Guardian - Opinion

Would we prefer it to be less complex, less intense?

The New York Times

The switch in narration is less complex than it seems.

The New Yorker

The other pieces are less complex to stage.

The New York Times

Why should outsiders have feelings any less complex?

The Guardian - Opinion

This would make the tax system more, not less, complex.

The Economist

Prokaryote cell organization is less complex than that of eukaryotes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two items, use "less complex than" to clearly illustrate which one has fewer intricacies. For example, "This algorithm is "less complex" than the previous version, making it faster to execute."

Common error

Avoid using "less complex" as a generic compliment. Be specific about what aspects are "less complex". For example, instead of saying "The design is "less complex"," specify "The design has a "less complex" user interface."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less complex" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating a lower degree of complexity compared to something else. Ludwig shows that this phrase is often used to describe systems, processes, or ideas that have been simplified or are easier to understand.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Social Media

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less complex" is a grammatically sound and commonly used comparative adjective phrase that denotes a reduced level of intricacy or complication. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread across various domains, including news, science, and general discourse. When writing, it's crucial to use "less complex" to make specific comparisons and avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives like "simpler", "less intricate", or "more straightforward" can provide nuanced options. Common linguistic questions include how to use "less complex" correctly and when to choose it over related terms. Overall, "less complex" serves as an efficient and clear way to communicate a reduction in complexity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simpler

Direct synonym emphasizing ease and lack of complication.

simplified

Focuses on the act of making something less complex.

less intricate

Focuses on the reduction of detailed or elaborate features.

less complicated

Highlights the reduction of difficulty and convolutedness.

more straightforward

Suggests an increase in directness and clarity, implying reduced complexity.

more streamlined

Implies a more efficient and less cluttered process or design.

easier to understand

Emphasizes the reduction in cognitive difficulty.

less elaborate

Indicates a decrease in ornamentation or detail.

more basic

Highlights a return to fundamental elements, reducing advanced features.

less sophisticated

Suggests a decrease in refinement and advanced functionality.

FAQs

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

You can use "less complex" to compare two things, indicating that one has fewer parts, steps, or ideas than the other. For example, "This engine is "less complex" than the previous model."

What is a good alternative to "less complex"?

Alternatives to "less complex" include "simpler", "less intricate", or "more straightforward" depending on the specific context.

When should I use "less complex" instead of "simpler"?

"Less complex" is appropriate when describing a reduction in the number of interconnected parts or steps, while "simpler" is generally used to indicate ease of understanding or use.

Which is correct, "less complex" or "less complicated"?

Both "less complex" and "less complicated" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. However, "less complex" emphasizes the structure and composition, while "less complicated" emphasizes the level of difficulty.