less difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

"less difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to compare two things and say that one is less difficult than the other. For example: "This problem is less difficult than the one we had to solve last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Execution is less difficult".

The New York Times

Or be less difficult.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hungarian is a less difficult language.

The New Yorker

"Her mind was less difficult to develope.

The New York Times - Books

My arrival was only slightly less difficult.

The New York Times

On the flatter, less difficult stages, riders are rarely dropped.

The New York Times - Sports

The equation in North Korea is no less difficult.

The New York Times

Maybe it becomes less difficult the second time round.

The Guardian - Sport

We should think about making their task less difficult.

The Guardian - Opinion

Howard's tribunal win, meanwhile, makes her future no less difficult.

The Guardian

'Farming is in a way less difficult than factory life.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the difficulty of two tasks, using "less difficult" is appropriate. However, ensure clarity by specifying what you are comparing, for example, "Solving this equation is "less difficult" than solving the previous one".

Common error

Avoid using "less difficult" without a clear point of reference. Saying "This is less difficult" leaves the reader wondering what it is less difficult than. Always provide a comparison point or context for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less difficult" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that something possesses a lower degree of difficulty than something else. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in comparing tasks, situations, or even emotional states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less difficult" is a common and grammatically correct comparative adjective phrase used to express that something is easier or requires less effort than something else. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media, scientific writing, and formal business contexts, conveying a sense of relative ease. When using "less difficult", it's important to provide a clear comparison point to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "easier to manage", "more straightforward", and "less complicated", each offering a slightly different nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less complicated

Highlights the reduced complexity of a task or situation.

less challenging

Emphasizes a reduction in the level of difficulty or demanding nature.

more straightforward

Emphasizes the absence of complications or indirectness.

less intricate

Highlights a reduction in the level of detail or complexity.

easier to manage

Focuses on the manageability aspect, suggesting simpler handling or control.

more manageable

Focuses on the increased ease of handling or controlling a situation.

simpler to execute

Draws attention to the ease of carrying out a plan or action.

more undemanding

Highlights a reduction in the requirements or effort needed.

more accessible

Highlights the ease of reaching, entering or using something.

not as hard

Provides a more informal and direct way of expressing reduced difficulty.

FAQs

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

Use "less difficult" to compare the relative ease of two tasks or situations. For example, "Learning to ride a bike is "less difficult" than learning to drive a car".

What is a more formal alternative to "less difficult"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "less complex", "more straightforward", or "more manageable" depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to specify what something is "less difficult" than?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the comparison enhances clarity. Without a comparison, the statement "It's "less difficult"" is vague. Adding "than I expected" or "than the previous task" provides context.

What's the difference between "less challenging" and "less difficult"?

"Less challenging" implies a reduction in stimulation or demand, while "less difficult" directly addresses the level of effort or skill required. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing the stimulating nature of the task or the effort required.