less destructive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less destructive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the level of destructiveness of two or more things, indicating that one is not as harmful as the other. Example: "The new policy is less destructive to the environment than the previous one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Rich countries have been slightly less destructive.

The Economist

But there are less destructive ways to farm salmon.

The Economist

Though hardly ideal, both would be less destructive than default.

The Economist

Surely they could find a less destructive way to communicate.

The New York Times

She hopes technology could provide a less destructive approach.

The Guardian - Books

But it is no less destructive of human life".

The Guardian

Still, the fires remain less destructive than some blazes in other countries.

The New York Times

He once wished out loud that he had invented something less destructive — "For example, a lawnmower".

The New Yorker

One day, Frankel had an idea for a more efficient and less destructive container loader.

The New Yorker

Their other raids, including the nuclear attack on Nagasaki, were less destructive.

The New Yorker

Natural disasters disrupt production, much as less destructive episodes of bad weather do.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two options, use "less destructive" to clearly indicate that one causes significantly less damage than the other. For instance, "Using renewable energy sources is "less destructive" than burning fossil fuels."

Common error

Avoid using "less destructive" when you mean completely non-destructive. "Less destructive" implies there is still some degree of damage, even if it's minimal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less destructive" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a lower degree of destructiveness. As shown by Ludwig, it commonly describes methods, actions, or technologies that cause reduced harm.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less destructive" is a commonly used and grammatically sound comparative adjective phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to describe something causing a reduced degree of damage or harm. Found frequently in contexts like News & Media and Science, it maintains a neutral register, making it widely applicable. When writing, remember to use "less destructive" to accurately convey a comparative reduction in damage, rather than implying complete non-destruction. Alternatives include "less harmful" or "more benign". As shown by Ludwig, its frequent presence in reputable sources underscores its validity and usefulness in conveying nuanced comparisons of impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less harmful

Focuses specifically on reducing harm rather than destruction.

less damaging

Emphasizes the reduction of damage caused.

not as ruinous

Highlights the absence of complete devastation.

relatively harmless

Emphasizes the comparative lack of harm.

more benign

Indicates a gentler, kinder, or less harmful nature.

less severe

Focuses on the reduced intensity or gravity of something.

minimally invasive

Describes a procedure or method that intrudes as little as possible.

non-detrimental

Highlights the absence of negative impact.

environmentally friendly

Specifically refers to being beneficial or at least not harmful to the environment.

gentler approach

Indicates a more moderate or delicate method.

FAQs

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

You can use "less destructive" to compare the harmful impact of two or more actions or things. For example, "This new method is "less destructive" than the old one."

What's a good alternative to "less destructive"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "less harmful", "less damaging", or "more benign".

Is it always correct to use "less destructive" instead of "fewer destructive"?

Yes, "less destructive" is generally correct because "destructive" describes something that cannot be easily counted. "Fewer" is used for countable nouns. For example, you might say "fewer destructive storms" but "less destructive flooding".

What is the difference between "less destructive" and "non-destructive"?

"Less destructive" implies that there is still some damage being caused, while "non-destructive" means there is absolutely no damage or harm involved. A non-destructive testing method, for example, causes no damage to the item being tested.