less contained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less contained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not as restricted or limited in scope, form, or expression. Example: "The artist's latest work is less contained, allowing for more freedom of expression and creativity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

A similar if less contained sense of Bush-era paranoia pervades "XIII," a two-part Canadian and French mini-series (beginning on Sunday on NBC).

The New York Times - Arts

Balanchine style is largely rooted in the contrast between tight closed positions and stretched open positions; Ballet West's style could be less contained.

The New York Times - Arts

By contrast, in three of the paintings, female heads are seen from behind, their hair arrangements less contained and more erotic.

The New York Times - Arts

The Red Bulls suffered for the loss of Damien Perrinelle; Crew SC saw a Kei Kamara more or less contained in the final after the knock he picked up in the final training session hindered him; Dallas were undone less by lack of depth than lack of game management when it mattered.

The Guardian - Sport

He puts himself in nearly every frame, giving insufficient time to some of the less censured, less contained characters around him — his mother, Karesse, and a friend of hers, Mr. Grenier's surrogate father, Boris, a guy with the table manners of a feudal serf and the look of an aging bookie.

The New York Times - Arts

Since they made it clear that they would not back down on the battlefield, the Turkish army has more or less contained the guerrillas of Mr Ocalan's Kurdish Workers Partyy (PKK) in south-eastern Turkey, where he started his uprising 14 years ago.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

His forces are more or less containing the secessionists there; but their methods have been obscenely disproportionate.

The Economist

3. Soup, it does a body good: A nice bowl of hearty soup (think gumbo, beef stew, tortilla soup, or chili) often costs a lot less, contains healthier ingredients, and fills you up as much as a regular entree.

Huffington Post

Only 11% or less contains nematode specific genes.

BMC Genomics

Fetal tDMRs also less often contained PcG protein-binding regions, another hallmark of bivalent domains.

Epigenetics and Chromatin

The downside of the simplified score is that it is less precise and contains less diagnostic information.

British Medical Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less contained" to describe artistic expression, emotional states, or situations where freedom and openness are emphasized.

Common error

Avoid using "less contained" when describing physical objects; it's more appropriate for abstract concepts or behaviors.

Linguistic Context

"Less contained" functions as a descriptive phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a state of reduced restriction or limitation. It suggests that something is not as tightly controlled or bounded as it might otherwise be. Ludwig AI validates its usage in contexts related to artistic expression and emotional states.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less contained" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, indicating a reduction in restriction or limitation. Ludwig AI confirms this, with examples showing usage across diverse contexts like artistic expression and emotional descriptions. While its frequency is relatively rare, it serves to effectively describe something that exhibits openness or fluidity. Be mindful to use it primarily for abstract concepts, ensuring the context aligns with its nuanced meaning. Alternatives include "less restricted" or "more unrestrained", each offering a slight shift in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less restricted

Directly points to fewer limitations or regulations imposed on something.

less confined

Suggests a release from a limited or enclosed space or condition.

less restrained

Implies a decrease in the level of self-control or external restriction on expression or action.

less suppressed

Points to a decrease in the act of preventing the expression or development of something.

more unrestrained

Indicates a higher degree of freedom and a lack of imposed limits or controls.

more unreserved

Implies a lack of hesitation or holding back in expressing oneself.

less inhibited

Highlights a reduction in psychological barriers, leading to more natural behavior.

more expansive

Suggests a wider scope or range, not confined within strict boundaries.

more unbounded

Implies freedom from physical or metaphorical limits and constraints.

more liberated

Indicates a state of being freed from captivity or oppression.

FAQs

What does "less contained" mean?

It means something is not as restricted or limited, allowing for more freedom or expression. For example, an artistic style could be described as "less contained" if it is more free-flowing and experimental.

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

You can say, "The artist's latest work is "less contained", allowing for more improvisation." This implies that the work has fewer boundaries or restrictions.

What are some alternatives to "less contained"?

You can use alternatives like "more unrestrained", "less restricted", or "more expansive", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "less contained" formal or informal?

The phrase "less contained" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the subject matter. However, it's more common in descriptive or analytical writing rather than casual conversation.