less complex than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less complex than" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare the complexity of two subjects, indicating that one is simpler than the other. Example: "The new software is less complex than the previous version, making it easier for users to navigate."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As shown in Table 5, the two-step algorithm (polynomial complexity) is less complex than the optimal algorithm (exponential complexity).

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

It is also substantially less complex than all reduced complexity algorithms given as a reference in this paper.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Regarding trait complexity, chemical properties are likely to be less complex than integrated traits such as wood density or growth.

BMC Genomics

The switch in narration is less complex than it seems.

The New Yorker

Prokaryote cell organization is less complex than that of eukaryotes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Less complex than the great cathedrals, King's is a simple box, made of repetitive elements.

The Guardian - Arts

Both Southwest's and JetBlue's programs are far less complex than those of the majors.

The New York Times

Packing this all into a small house was no less complex than "designing a submarine".

The New York Times

Opaque as CDSs may be, they are less complex than CDOs.

The Economist

The Swedish loans were much less complex than modern securitised assets.

The Economist

Pushrod engines tend to be lighter, lower and somewhat less complex than overhead-cam designs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing complexity, ensure both subjects are clearly defined to provide a meaningful comparison using "less complex than".

Common error

Avoid using "less complex than" without specifying what aspects are being compared. Be specific about the dimensions of complexity you are addressing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less complex than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to compare two entities, indicating that one possesses a lower degree of complexity compared to the other. Examples provided by Ludwig illustrate this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less complex than" is a versatile and grammatically sound comparative used to denote relative simplicity between two subjects. As Ludwig AI accurately points out, it enjoys widespread use in diverse contexts, ranging from scientific literature to news articles. Its frequency is classified as 'Very common', underscoring its prevalence in both written and spoken English. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide clear context for the comparison, specifying the aspects of complexity being addressed to avoid ambiguity. While there are alternatives like "simpler than" or "not as complicated as", "less complex than" provides a direct and widely understood means of conveying relative simplicity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simpler than

Indicates a more basic or straightforward nature.

not as complicated as

Emphasizes the absence of intricate details or difficulties.

easier to understand than

Highlights the clarity and comprehensibility of one subject over another.

more straightforward than

Suggests a direct and uncomplicated approach.

less intricate than

Focuses on the reduced level of fine detail or complexity.

less sophisticated than

Implies a lower level of refinement or advanced features.

not as elaborate as

Indicates a reduction in ornamentation or detailed construction.

more basic than

Points to a fundamental or elementary nature.

less involved than

Suggests a reduced level of participation or interconnectedness.

less dense than

Highlights a lower concentration of elements or information.

FAQs

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

Use "less complex than" to compare two subjects, indicating one is simpler. For example, "This algorithm is "less complex than" the previous one".

What's a simpler way to say "less complex than"?

You can use alternatives such as "simpler than", "not as complicated as", or "easier to understand than" depending on the context.

Is it always better for something to be "less complex than" something else?

Not necessarily. While simplicity can be advantageous, sometimes complexity is required to achieve specific functionality or performance. The best approach depends on the specific requirements of the situation.

Can "less complex than" be used to describe abstract concepts?

Yes, "less complex than" can effectively compare abstract concepts such as theories, ideas, or systems. For instance, "The new economic model is "less complex than" the traditional one".