less conducive to

USAGE SUMMARY

'less conducive to' is an acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It is used to describe an environment or situation that is not ideal or useful for a particular purpose or activity. For example, "The crowded street was less conducive to peaceful meditation than the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hodgson's situation, though, is less conducive to laughter.

The Guardian - Sport

(YouTube, being less conducive to communal experience, is not what Mr. Gondry has in mind).

The New York Times - Arts

Remember, however, that the weather could not have been less conducive to elite-level sprinting.

The Guardian - Sport

There can be few environments less conducive to healthy sexual development than a children's prison.

The Guardian - Opinion

The modified triangular flap is significantly less conducive to the development of wound dehiscence.

Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontology

Nothing could be less conducive to "riding the timewave's origin" and so on than this claustrophobic racket.

The Guardian - Music

Few places are less conducive to erotic optimism than the packed waiting room of a public health clinic in Brooklyn.

The New Yorker

I had suspected that during actual surgery the atmosphere would be less conducive to feelings of awe.

The New Yorker

Some bosses also have styles that are more or less conducive to the behavior that Cheng exhibited in this situation.

Harvard Business Review

This would have made it less conducive to those wanting to remain and more of a stimulus to leave.

The New York Times

That makes it no less conducive to a flourishing society, no less to be praised and encouraged.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less conducive to", ensure the sentence clearly states what is being hindered. For example, specify the activity or outcome that the environment is not supporting.

Common error

Avoid overstating the impact of something being "less conducive to". The phrase indicates a hindering influence, not necessarily a complete prevention. Be precise about the degree of impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less conducive to" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, describing a condition or environment that diminishes the likelihood or ease of a specified outcome. It suggests an impediment rather than a complete prevention, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

28%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less conducive to" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that describes conditions that are not favorable for a specific outcome. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and widely accepted across various domains. Its frequency is high, appearing most often in News & Media, Science, and Academia. When using this phrase, be clear about what is being hindered and avoid overstating the impact. Consider alternatives like "less favorable to" or "less supportive of" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less favorable to

Focuses on a less positive or advantageous condition.

less inclined to promote

Highlights a reduced tendency to encourage or support something.

less supportive of

Emphasizes a lack of backing or assistance.

less advantageous for

Indicates reduced benefits or opportunities.

less suitable for

Stresses a reduced appropriateness or fitness for a purpose.

less likely to foster

Highlights a decreased probability of nurturing or developing something.

less apt to encourage

Suggests a lower likelihood of stimulating or promoting something.

less well-suited for

Indicates a reduced level of compatibility or fitness.

not as favorable for

States a lower degree of positiveness or benefit.

detrimental to

Emphasizes harmful or damaging effects.

FAQs

How can I use "less conducive to" in a sentence?

Use "less conducive to" to describe situations or conditions that make it more difficult for something to happen or succeed. For instance, "A noisy environment is "less conducive to" studying".

What are some alternatives to using "less conducive to"?

You can use alternatives like "less favorable to", "less supportive of", or "less suitable for" depending on the specific context.

How does "less conducive to" differ from "detrimental to"?

"Less conducive to" indicates something hinders or makes an outcome more difficult, whereas "detrimental to" implies direct harm or damage. "Detrimental to" is a stronger, more negative term.

Is it better to use "less conducive to" or "not conducive to"?

The choice depends on the degree of impact you want to convey. "Less conducive to" suggests a partial hindering effect, while "not conducive to" implies a complete lack of support or suitability.