less disturbing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less disturbing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the level of disturbance or discomfort caused by two or more things, indicating that one is not as troubling as the other. Example: "The new version of the movie is less disturbing than the original, making it more suitable for younger audiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

This is no less disturbing, of course.

The New York Times

Coe's bunch are much less disturbing.

The Guardian - Books

That doesn't make it less disturbing.

The New Yorker

(c) Someone only slightly less disturbing than a weasel.

The New Yorker

But 4.48 Psychosis is no less disturbing for that.

The Guardian

The situation in New York City is no less disturbing.

The New York Times

But another possibility of a biological "unabomber" at work is hardly less disturbing.

The Economist

That was less disturbing than the numbers I got from a cost-of-living calculator.

The New York Times

(Though why artificially darkened blood is considered less disturbing is a mystery to me).

The New York Times

That experience seems to have been less disturbing than might be expected.

The New York Times

City Ballet's version of him — of his ballets — has become less incisive, more lightweight, less disturbing.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less disturbing", ensure you are making a clear comparison between two distinct subjects to highlight the difference in their impact.

Common error

Avoid using "less disturbing" without a clear point of comparison. Ensure the reader understands what is being compared and why one is considered less disturbing than the other. For example, instead of saying "The movie was less disturbing", specify "The movie was less disturbing than the book it was based on".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less disturbing" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating a lower degree of disturbance compared to something else. Ludwig's examples highlight its role in comparing the intensity of unsettling experiences or qualities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less disturbing" is a common and grammatically sound comparative adjective phrase used to indicate a lower degree of unease or disturbance. As Ludwig AI points out, it frequently appears in news and scientific contexts, signifying a neutral register. When using "less disturbing", ensure a clear comparison is made, and consider alternatives like "not as unsettling" or "more tolerable" to refine your meaning. Ludwig's examples showcase its versatility in expressing relative degrees of discomfort or concern.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as unsettling

Indicates a lower degree of unease or anxiety compared to something else.

less worrisome

Signifies a decrease in the level of anxiety or concern.

not as upsetting

Indicates a lower emotional impact, causing less distress.

not as concerning

Implies a reduced level of importance or significance in terms of worry.

not as alarming

Conveys a reduced sense of immediate danger or fear.

more tolerable

Implies an increased ability to bear or endure something.

somewhat calming

Suggests a mild soothing effect, making something slightly calmer.

more mild

Suggests a gentler, less intense form of disturbance.

somewhat subdued

Indicates a reduction in intensity or prominence, resulting in a milder impact.

slightly reassuring

Offers a small amount of comfort or confidence, alleviating worry.

FAQs

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

You can use "less disturbing" to compare two things where one causes less unease than the other. For example, "The edited version of the film was "less disturbing" than the original version".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "less disturbing"?

Alternatives include "not as unsettling", "more tolerable", or "not as alarming", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "fewer disturbing" instead of "less disturbing"?

While "fewer" is used for countable nouns, "less" is used for uncountable nouns. "Disturbing" is an adjective describing an uncountable quality, so "less disturbing" is correct.

What's the difference between "less disturbing" and "least disturbing"?

"Less disturbing" compares two things, while "least disturbing" identifies the item that is the least unsettling among three or more. For example, "This option is "less disturbing" than that one, but this other option is the "least disturbing" of all".