less convenient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less convenient" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the convenience of two or more options, indicating that one option is not as convenient as another. Example: "Taking the bus is less convenient than driving my own car."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Too often, consumers have been lured to the Web by the promise of convenience, only to find the experience less convenient than shopping at the mall.

The New York Times

"But it's less convenient.

The New York Times - Arts

But it seems less convenient.

MIT Technology Review

To make it less convenient for pedestrians.

The Guardian

I clicked on a different, less convenient time.

The New York Times - Tech

Now, the short-free strategy looks less convenient.

The New York Times

Less convenient at passport control, but sharper in style.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is merely less convenient and therefore less valuable.

University of California, Berkeley

"It's less convenient," he said, for students without home computers.

The New York Times - Tech

Contactless payment is now doing the same to cash, which is becoming less and less convenient.

The Guardian - Opinion

I find QR codes inconvenient and enjoyed making the process of scanning them even less convenient".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing options, ensure the context clearly identifies what the alternative is. For instance, instead of saying "the new system is less convenient", specify "the new system is "less convenient" than the old system because it requires more steps."

Common error

While "less convenient" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in very informal settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "harder" or "trickier" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less convenient" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or noun phrase to indicate a reduced degree of convenience. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for comparing options.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less convenient" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative adjective phrase used to express a diminished degree of ease or suitability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. While versatile, it's important to ensure clarity in comparative contexts and to consider simpler alternatives for very informal settings. Its prevalence in news, academic, and scientific sources underscores its appropriateness for diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more inconvenient

Uses the direct opposite adjective to convey a similar meaning but with a slightly stronger negative connotation.

not as convenient

Expresses the same idea using a comparative structure, emphasizing the lack of convenience relative to something else.

somewhat troublesome

Shifts the focus to the difficulty or bother associated with the task or situation.

a bit of a hassle

Emphasizes the irritating or time-consuming aspect of something.

slightly awkward

Suggests a lack of ease or grace, implying an uncomfortable or clumsy situation.

not entirely straightforward

Focuses on the complexity or indirectness of a process or situation.

suboptimal

A more formal term suggesting that something is less than ideal.

less than ideal

A general term indicating a situation or option that is not the best choice.

rather impractical

Highlights the lack of feasibility or usefulness in a real-world context.

not particularly user-friendly

Indicates that something is difficult to use or navigate, especially for inexperienced users.

FAQs

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

You can use "less convenient" to compare two options, indicating one is not as easy or suitable as the other. For example: "Taking the bus is "less convenient" than driving my own car."

What can I say instead of "less convenient"?

You can use alternatives like "more inconvenient", "not as convenient", or "somewhat troublesome" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "less convenient" or "fewer convenient"?

"Less convenient" is correct. "Fewer" is used for countable nouns, while "convenient" describes a quality, making "less" the appropriate choice.

Is "less convenient" the same as "inconvenient"?

While related, they aren't identical. "Inconvenient" means causing trouble or difficulties, whereas "less convenient" implies a comparison, indicating something is not as easy or suitable as an alternative.