less detailed than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less detailed than" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare the level of detail between two subjects or pieces of information. Example: "The summary provided was less detailed than the original report, making it harder to understand the key points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Maps of the ocean floor are less detailed than those of Mars or the moon.

The Guardian - Opinion

Album covers appear to be growing simpler and less detailed than those in the past.

The New York Times

As a result, his book, though much slighter and less detailed than Martin's, is the more intelligent.

The New Yorker

The treasury does publish the Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses PESAA) but it is less detailed than the reports themselves.

The Guardian

With record keeping less detailed than it is today, no one knew where the objects had been positioned inside the sculpture before they were extricated in the 1930s.

Harvard University

But because Mr. Estrada had apparently been knocked unconscious briefly and his vision blurred from the initial blow, his testimony was less detailed than Mr. Perez's.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Calculating costs at the program level required a less detailed analysis than calculating costs at the activity level.

Harvard University

FFF printers tend to produce less detailed objects than stereolithography printers, but are easier and cheaper to use.

Nature

It will be a much shorter and less detailed document than the final text of the comprehensive agreement, due to be signed at the end of June.

The Guardian

Sir David said he thought that the international board would choose to adopt less detailed standards than those of the Financial Accounting Standards Board in the United States.

The New York Times

There was less detailed information than usual about the conflict on Friday because Internet access was cut to the entire country for a second day, in what seemed to be a government effort to disrupt the communications of its opponents, although some activists and other residents used the Web through satellite services.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing levels of detail, ensure that both subjects of comparison are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "The summary was "less detailed than" the full report."

Common error

Avoid using "less detailed than" when the subject simply lacks information entirely, rather than having fewer details. Instead of saying "His knowledge of history is "less detailed than" mine if he knows nothing about history, say "His knowledge of history is non-existent."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less detailed than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to indicate that one thing possesses fewer specific elements or information compared to another. Ludwig shows numerous examples across diverse sources validating its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

34%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less detailed than" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves to effectively compare the level of specificity or depth between two subjects, finding utility across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic domains. While versatile, ensuring clarity and avoiding overgeneralization enhances its impact. The availability of several alternatives like "not as comprehensive as" allows for nuanced expression. Therefore, understanding its usage, potential pitfalls, and context-specific substitutes empowers effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less specific than

Emphasizes the lack of particularity.

not as comprehensive as

Focuses on the breadth of coverage, rather than just the level of detail.

less thorough than

Indicates a reduced level of completeness.

more general than

Highlights a broader, less specific scope.

less exhaustive than

Implies that something is not as complete or thorough.

not as precise as

Focuses on accuracy and exactness.

not as granular as

Points to a difference in the level of granularity.

more superficial than

Highlights a lack of depth or substance.

lacking the finer points of

Implies an absence of nuanced elements.

a broader overview than

Suggests a summary lacking specific details.

FAQs

How can I use "less detailed than" in a sentence?

You can use "less detailed than" to compare the level of detail between two things, such as "The outline was "less detailed than" the final version".

What's a good alternative to "less detailed than"?

Alternatives include phrases like "not as comprehensive as", "more general than", or "less specific than", depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "less detailed than" in formal writing?

Yes, "less detailed than" is appropriate for formal writing. However, ensure clarity by specifying what is being compared. For instance, "The initial proposal was "less detailed than" the revised agreement".

How does "less detailed than" differ from "less accurate than"?

"Less detailed than" refers to the amount of information, while "less accurate than" refers to the correctness of the information. A description can be "less detailed than" another but still be accurate.