less critical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less critical" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not as important or urgent as something else. Example: "While the budget report is essential, the marketing strategy is less critical at this stage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Other candidates were less critical.

The New York Times

The unmanned flights are less critical.

The New York Times

African observers were less critical.

The Guardian - Opinion

"But it's less critical than it once was.

The New York Times - Tech

My wife was to be less critical, me less defensive.

The New York Times - Magazine

Sir Clive Loader, Conservative PCC for Leicestershire, is less critical.

The Guardian

The task force on organization was no less critical.

Harvard Business Review

But on Wednesday, they were noticeably less critical.

The Washington Post

But other coaches and players are less critical.

The New York Times - Sports

Moreover, timing is much less critical than in classical conditioning.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Several other less-critical bugs were squashed as well.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When prioritizing tasks, use "less critical" to accurately categorize activities that contribute to the overall goal but aren't time-sensitive. This helps in efficient resource allocation and prevents overburdening team members with tasks that do not require immediate attention.

Common error

While "less critical" is acceptable in various settings, overusing it in formal documents can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "of lesser importance" or "not as crucial" to add nuance and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less critical" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying nouns to indicate a reduced degree of importance or urgency. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less critical" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase indicating a reduced level of importance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is useful across diverse fields. While versatile, it's best to vary your vocabulary in formal writing. Its frequency across various sources, particularly in news and media, underscores its general applicability. Mastering its use helps clarify priorities and allocate resources effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as crucial

Emphasizes reduced importance, using "crucial" as a synonym for critical.

of lesser importance

Highlights a decrease in significance or value.

not so vital

Replaces "critical" with "vital", suggesting something is not essential.

less significant

Focuses on the reduced impact or consequence.

not as pressing

Indicates a lower sense of urgency or immediacy.

subordinate

Suggests a lower rank or position in terms of importance.

secondary

Highlights that something is of second-tier importance.

less essential

Indicates something is not absolutely necessary.

lower priority

Directly addresses the reduced level of importance in a ranked system.

not imperative

Emphasizes that something is not an absolute requirement.

FAQs

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

You can use "less critical" to describe tasks, issues, or features that are not as important or urgent as others. For example, "While the budget report is essential, the marketing strategy is "less critical" at this stage."

What are some alternatives to "less critical"?

Alternatives to "less critical" include "not as crucial", "of lesser importance", or "less significant". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "least critical" instead of "less critical"?

While both are grammatically correct, "least critical" implies the absolute lowest level of importance, whereas "less critical" indicates a lower level compared to something else. Choose the phrase that best reflects the intended degree of importance.

What's the difference between "less critical" and "not critical"?

"Less critical" suggests a lower degree of importance, while "not critical" implies a complete lack of importance or necessity. The former is relative, while the latter is absolute.