less difficult to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less difficult to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the difficulty of two tasks or situations, indicating that one is easier than the other. Example: "This new software is less difficult to use than the previous version, making it more accessible for beginners."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Her mind was less difficult to develope.

The New York Times - Books

"Ladies' watches are also less difficult to manufacture," he said.

The New York Times

Bruce Weber's films are less difficult to see now than they used to be.

The Guardian - Film

Insight, however, has proved less difficult to define and to study.

The New Yorker

It's no less difficult to write about dance, or architecture, or writing.

The New Yorker

I think the eye-slitting scene from Un Chien Andalou is less difficult to watch.

The Guardian

So will families, friendships and communities, no less difficult to build and preserve.

The Guardian

For Hamburg, it is less difficult to judge the magnitude of this result.

The Guardian - Sport

It is less difficult to get into than a prison, but only slightly.

The New York Times

These two Didions don't become less difficult to reconcile in the context of a grief memoir.

The New York Times - Magazine

Get cars out of the equation and all of these problems become much less difficult to tackle.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the difficulty of two tasks, use "less difficult to" to clearly indicate that one task requires less effort or skill than the other. For instance, "Installing this software is "less difficult to" manage than the older version".

Common error

Avoid using "less difficult to" when "easier to" suffices. Overusing longer phrases can make your writing sound convoluted. For instance, instead of saying "It's "less difficult to" understand", consider saying "It's easier to understand".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less difficult to" functions as a comparative adjective phrase followed by an infinitive. It is used to describe a lower degree of difficulty associated with a particular action or task. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

29%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less difficult to" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is easier or requires less effort compared to something else. Ludwig AI validates its usage across various domains, from news and media to scientific and academic writing.

While "less difficult to" is widely accepted, it's essential to consider context and opt for more concise alternatives like ""easier to"" when appropriate. Understanding the nuances of this comparative phrase ensures clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

easier to

Direct synonym focusing on comparative ease.

simpler to

Emphasizes a lack of complexity.

not as challenging to

Indirectly conveys reduced difficulty through a negative comparison.

more straightforward to

Highlights directness and lack of complications.

less complicated to

Focuses on reducing complexity rather than difficulty.

more manageable to

Highlights the ease of handling or controlling something.

less intricate to

Focuses on reducing the level of detail or complexity.

not as complex to

Similar to "less complicated to" but uses different wording.

less demanding to

Shifts the focus to effort and requirements.

more user-friendly to

Specifically refers to ease of use, particularly with technology or systems.

FAQs

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

Use "less difficult to" when comparing the ease of two tasks. For example, "Using this tool is "less difficult to" master than the previous one".

What are some alternatives to "less difficult to"?

Alternatives include "easier to", "simpler to", or "more straightforward to" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "less difficult to understand" or "easier to understand"?

"Easier to understand" is often more concise and preferred in most contexts. "Less difficult to understand" works but can sound slightly more formal.

What is the difference between "less difficult to" and "not as difficult as"?

"Less difficult to" directly compares the ease of something, while "not as difficult as" emphasizes a difference in difficulty relative to something else. They're often interchangeable, but "less difficult to" is usually more direct.