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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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less complicated

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"less complicated" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "The new procedure is less complicated than the old one," or "I'm looking for a job that is less complicated than my previous one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Others have less complicated causes.

News & Media

The Economist

They are much less complicated.

News & Media

The New York Times

Today, things are less complicated.

News & Media

The New York Times

Or, we're less complicated.

The film is less complicated.

News & Media

The Guardian

It will be faster and less complicated.

This year, the invitation was less complicated.

News & Media

The New York Times

The Messier situation is less complicated.

Modern times have been no less complicated.

Or maybe it is less complicated.

News & Media

The Guardian

Prewar attitudes were no less complicated.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two options, clearly state what makes one "less complicated" than the other. For example, "Using this software is "less complicated" than manual data entry."

Common error

Avoid using "less complicated" vaguely. Always provide context or comparison to make the statement meaningful. Instead of saying, "The process is "less complicated", say "The new process is "less complicated" because it requires fewer steps."

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less complicated" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and widely used to describe something that involves fewer elements or steps, or is easier to understand. It is often used to compare two or more options, highlighting the relative simplicity of one over the others.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less complicated" is a grammatically correct and frequently used comparative adjective phrase that describes something as simpler or easier to understand than something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and effective way to convey simplicity. Its usage spans diverse contexts, from news and media to academia and wiki content, indicating its versatility. When using "less complicated", ensure you provide sufficient context for clarity and avoid vagueness. Consider using alternatives like "simpler" or "more straightforward" to add variety to your writing.

FAQs

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

You can use "less complicated" to compare the complexity of two things, such as "This method is "less complicated" than the previous one" or to describe something as being simpler than expected, such as "The instructions were "less complicated" than I thought".

What are some alternatives to "less complicated"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "simpler", "easier", "more straightforward", or "less complex".

Is it correct to say "less complicated" or should I use "fewer complicated"?

"Less complicated" is the correct phrase. "Complicated" is an adjective describing a state, not a countable noun, so "less" is appropriate. "Fewer" is used with countable nouns.

What's the difference between "less complicated" and "less intricate"?

While both phrases imply a reduction in difficulty, "less complicated" generally refers to a reduction in the number of steps or elements involved. "Less intricate", on the other hand, implies a reduction in fine details or elaborate features.

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Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: