less difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

'less difficulty' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used any time you want to compare difficulty between two different options or tasks. For example, "Taking the bus was much easier than driving, with less difficulty overall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I had less difficulty with exercises requiring increased energy.

The New York Times - Tech

What enabled Detroit to navigate the bankruptcy process with less difficulty than had been anticipated?

Harvard University

They found one, and with less difficulty than atheists would have guessed.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Gormley, whose fulminations in Trenton are legendary, has less difficulty standing firm.

The New York Times

Gifts of real property have caused less difficulty in Anglo-American jurisdictions.

Britannica

"If expectations are clear and finely tuned, you have less difficulty," he said.

The New York Times

An accord would represent one less difficulty for the new president.

The New York Times

Men with a similar arrest record, but different profiles, have less difficulty.

The New York Times - Books

"They had less difficulty than us, because they had their own bank.

The Guardian

The more visual the referent, the less difficulty the users had in illustrating it.

Applied Ergonomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Scores range from −5 (cannot function at all) to +1 (less difficulty).

Ear and Hearing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two scenarios, clearly state both to emphasize the reduced difficulty in one versus the other. For example, "Implementing the new software resulted in "less difficulty" for the support team compared to the old system."

Common error

Avoid using "less difficulty" without specifying what the difficulty is related to. For example, instead of saying "The task presented "less difficulty", " specify "The task presented "less difficulty" in data collection."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less difficulty" functions as a comparative quantifier modifying the noun "difficulty". It indicates a reduction in the degree of difficulty associated with a task, situation, or process. As stated by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

35%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less difficulty" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote a reduction in the level of challenge or effort required. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for comparing the ease of different options or tasks. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. When using "less difficulty", ensure you provide a clear context of what the difficulty pertains to, avoiding vague comparisons. You can use alternatives such as "easier time" or "reduced challenge" to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

easier time

Focuses on the subjective experience of ease rather than the objective reduction of difficulty.

reduced challenge

Emphasizes the decrease in the level of challenge presented by a task or situation.

smoother sailing

Idiomatic expression suggesting a more trouble-free progression.

fewer obstacles

Highlights the reduction in the number of hindrances or barriers.

more straightforward

Suggests a more direct and uncomplicated approach.

less complicated

Emphasizes a decrease in complexity or intricacy.

easier to manage

Focuses on the manageability aspect, highlighting that something is now simpler to handle.

less problematic

Highlights a reduction in the issues or problems associated with something.

more manageable

Emphasizes increased ability to handle or control a situation.

simpler process

Highlights the simplification of a particular process or procedure.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "less difficulty" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives like "easier time", "reduced challenge", or "smoother sailing" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "less difficulty"?

Yes, the phrase "less difficulty" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written and spoken English. It correctly uses "less" with the non-countable noun "difficulty".

What does "less difficulty" mean?

The phrase "less difficulty" means that something is easier to do or manage, requiring less effort or skill than before. It implies a reduction in the level of challenge or complication involved.

What's the difference between "less difficulty" and "fewer difficulties"?

"Less difficulty" refers to a general reduction in the overall challenge of something, while "fewer difficulties" refers to a smaller number of specific problems or obstacles encountered. You can use "fewer obstacles" instead of "fewer difficulties".