less complicated than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less complicated than" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare the complexity of two things, indicating that one is simpler than the other. Example: "This solution is less complicated than the previous one, making it easier to implement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These are less complicated than dealing with FACTA but come with their own complications.

Los Angeles Times

On the page, it is less complicated than it sounds.

The Guardian - Books

The effort is no less complicated than the original construction.

The New York Times

This seems a lot less complicated than ground zero.

The New York Times

Refining other strategic metals is often less complicated than refining REEs.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Consequently, our solutions are bound to be less "complicated" than the problems demand.

Handbook of Statistical Analysis and Data Mining Applications

The bedside master-control consoles are marginally less complicated than the cockpit of a 747.

The New York Times - Travel

"Why are women's bodies less complicated than someone's account?" Ms. Goldin wryly asks.

The New York Times

"With plates, the conservation issues are less complicated than with art," he said.

The New York Times - Travel

On the bright side, it's rather less complicated than the situation in Illinois.

The Guardian - Opinion

The politics of it are only a little less complicated than those of Schleswig-Holstein.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less complicated than", ensure that the comparison is clear and that the two items being compared are explicitly stated. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the statement's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "less complicated than" without specifying what is being compared. For example, instead of saying "This is less complicated than before", specify "This process is less complicated than the previous one".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less complicated than" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to modify nouns by indicating a lower degree of complexity relative to another noun. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides numerous examples where the phrase directly compares the difficulty or intricacy of two subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

36%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less complicated than" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that one thing is simpler than another. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news, science, and academic contexts, indicating its broad applicability. When using this phrase, ensure the comparison is clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "simpler than" or "not as complex as" can be used for variety. This phrase is valuable for simplifying information and setting clear expectations about the ease of understanding or use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simpler than

Direct synonym focusing on ease and straightforwardness.

not as complex as

Emphasizes the absence of intricacy, using a negative comparison.

easier than

Highlights the reduced effort required.

more straightforward than

Focuses on the direct and uncomplicated nature.

less intricate than

Highlights the absence of detailed or elaborate features.

more basic than

Implies a fundamental or elementary level of simplicity.

not as involved as

Indicates a reduced degree of participation or engagement.

less elaborate than

Focuses on the reduced ornamentation or detail.

less sophisticated than

Highlights the lack of advanced or refined features.

more accessible than

Emphasizes the ease of understanding or use.

FAQs

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

Use "less complicated than" to compare the complexity of two different things. For example, "This model is "less complicated than" the previous one, making it easier to use."

What are some alternatives to saying "less complicated than"?

You can use alternatives like "simpler than", "easier than", or "not as complex as" depending on the context. For example, you might say "The instructions are "simpler than" I expected".

Is it correct to say "less complicated than"?

Yes, "less complicated than" is grammatically correct and widely used. It's a standard way to express that one thing is simpler or easier to understand than another.

What's the difference between "less complicated than" and "simpler than"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "simpler than" directly emphasizes ease and straightforwardness, while ""less complicated than"" focuses on the absence of intricate details. The choice depends on the specific aspect of simplicity you want to highlight.