less convincing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less convincing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express doubt or to suggest that something is not as convincing or persuasive as it should be. For example, "Although he provided a lot of evidence, his argument felt less convincing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is less convincing.

The Economist

Here he is less convincing.

The Economist

That seems less convincing.

The New York Times

The Canadians' record is also less convincing.

The New York Times - Sports

Here Mr Bennett is less convincing.

The Economist

The visuals are less convincing.

The Guardian - Music

Other researchers find the data less convincing.

The New York Times

His human interiors prove less convincing.

The New York Times - Books

Song of the Earth is less convincing.

The Guardian

Even so, rarely has a frontrunner been less convincing.

Independent

But Mr Schröder has been even less convincing.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less convincing", ensure you provide context as to why something is not convincing. Instead of saying 'His argument was less convincing', elaborate with 'His argument was less convincing because he didn't provide enough data to support his claims'.

Common error

Avoid simply stating something is "less convincing" without explaining why. This weakens your critique. Always provide a reason or supporting detail to enhance the impact of your assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less convincing" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It expresses a comparative degree of persuasiveness or believability, indicating that something is not as persuasive as something else. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is suitable for written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less convincing" is a versatile adjective phrase used to express a relative lack of persuasiveness or believability. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable in written English. Analysis of its usage reveals that it commonly appears in News & Media and Science, suggesting a preference for objective critique and analytical contexts. When using "less convincing", it's important to provide specific reasons for your assessment to enhance clarity and impact. Consider alternatives like "not as persuasive" or "somewhat doubtful" to fine-tune your message. The phrase demonstrates a strong presence in authoritative sources such as The Economist and The New York Times, reinforcing its credibility and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as persuasive

Emphasizes the lack of persuasiveness rather than conviction.

not as compelling

Focuses on the lack of a captivating or irresistible quality.

less persuasive

Synonymous replacement focusing on the lack of persuasiveness.

less compelling

Synonymous replacement focusing on the lack of a captivating quality.

not very credible

Highlights the lack of believability or trustworthiness.

rather unconvincing

Adds a degree of mildness or understatement to the lack of conviction.

somewhat doubtful

Shifts the focus to the presence of doubt or uncertainty.

fails to convince

Highlights the action of not succeeding in persuading someone.

inspires little confidence

Focuses on the lack of confidence or assurance generated.

open to doubt

Expresses that something has not been proven true and it still need more evidence.

FAQs

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

You can use "less convincing" to express that an argument, explanation, or piece of evidence is not very persuasive or believable. For example, "The evidence presented was "less convincing" than the prosecution expected."

What are some alternatives to saying "less convincing"?

Some alternatives to "less convincing" include "not as persuasive", "less persuasive", "not very credible", or "somewhat doubtful". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Which is correct, "less convincing" or "least convincing"?

"Less convincing" is used to compare two things, while "least convincing" is used to compare three or more. For example, 'Of the two arguments, the first was "less convincing".' 'Of all the arguments presented, the third was the "least convincing".'

What's the difference between "less convincing" and "unconvincing"?

"Less convincing" suggests a weaker degree of persuasiveness compared to something else, whereas "unconvincing" implies a complete lack of persuasiveness. Something that is "unconvincing" is not at all believable, while something that is "less convincing" might have some merit but is not fully persuasive.