less dodgy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less dodgy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is more trustworthy or reliable compared to another option. Example: "I found a less dodgy alternative to the online service we were considering."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Propping up power is, generally, a less dodgy proposition than defying it.

The New Yorker

The knack of organisation Must do better The pain of suspension Making downtown less dodgy ReprintsYet amid this expansion, boosted by controversy and a seemingly bottomless well of royal Qatari cash, Al Jazeera has been steadily losing ground nearer home.

The Economist

The knack of organisation Must do better The pain of suspension Making downtown less dodgy ReprintsBut as apartheid crumbled, white South Africans and multinational firms abandoned the inner city because of crime.

The Economist

Similarly, figures in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have supported a national government in exchange for the chance to get their hands on public funds or freedom from prosecution over past theft.Other figures seek less dodgy pay-offs.

The Economist

This puts the onus on federal authorities to prove illegality, which can be difficult, especially when the wood is from a dodgy place, like Cameroon, and processed by a less dodgy one, like China.

The Economist

The knack of organisation Must do better The pain of suspension Making downtown less dodgy ReprintsMr Brahimi has been beavering away quietly since he took over from Kofi Annan, the UN's former secretary-general, in August.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

We have to remember that he did so in the days when the dossiers seemed less obviously dodgy, and people still claimed Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rough estimates of sales in South Africa — hard enough to determine for a release in the seventies, much less a dodgy repress in a country under cultural boycott — are between five hundred thousand and a million copies.

The New Yorker

Like Liz Hurley (who ripped off Collins's lethal combination of Lady Muck Meets Raunchy Slut to some effect), she will be remembered less for her dodgy film credits (more than 60) than for her gowns and her entrances.

The Guardian - Film

Such asset management is more transparent than private banking and less prone to attracting dodgy clients.

The Economist

Great for his bank balance, less punishing on his dodgy knees – but emphatically not what he wanted.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less dodgy" when comparing two options and indicating that one is marginally more trustworthy or reliable than the other. It's suitable in contexts where a formal tone isn't required.

Common error

Avoid using "less dodgy" in formal or professional writing. Opt for more professional alternatives such as "more reliable" or "more trustworthy" to maintain a suitable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less dodgy" functions as a comparative adjective, modifying a noun to indicate a reduced degree of untrustworthiness or risk. As Ludwig AI points out, it indicates that something is more reliable than another option.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less dodgy" is a grammatically correct and usable comparative adjective phrase that indicates something is more reliable or trustworthy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently found in news and media contexts, though its informal tone means it's best suited for casual or conversational writing. For more formal writing, alternatives such as "more reliable" or "more trustworthy" are preferable. The phrase is commonly used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more reliable

Implies greater dependability and consistency compared to "less dodgy".

more trustworthy

Focuses on the aspect of honesty and integrity, suggesting a higher degree of confidence.

more reputable

Indicates a better public image and standing, suggesting greater social acceptance.

safer bet

Highlights the reduced risk involved, emphasizing a more secure and predictable outcome.

more legitimate

Suggests greater compliance with laws and regulations, indicating a higher degree of legality.

less suspicious

Focuses on reducing doubt or mistrust, suggesting a lower likelihood of foul play.

more credible

Implies greater believability and persuasiveness, suggesting stronger evidence or support.

more dependable

Emphasizes the aspect of reliability and consistency in performance or behavior.

more aboveboard

Suggests greater transparency and honesty in dealings, indicating a lack of hidden agendas.

less unethical

Focuses on the reduction of morally questionable behavior, indicating a greater adherence to ethical principles.

FAQs

What does "less dodgy" mean?

The phrase "less dodgy" means something is slightly more reliable or trustworthy than something else. It implies a reduced level of risk or suspicion.

What can I say instead of "less dodgy"?

You can use alternatives like "more reliable", "more trustworthy", or "more reputable" depending on the context.

Is "less dodgy" formal or informal?

The phrase "less dodgy" is considered informal. Use more formal alternatives in professional or academic writing to maintain an appropriate tone.

How do I use "less dodgy" in a sentence?

You can use "less dodgy" to compare two options, indicating one is marginally better or safer than the other. For example, "This website seems a bit less dodgy than the last one I used."