less effectively

USAGE SUMMARY

'less effectively' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to compare the effectiveness of two processes. For example: "The new methods of communication enable information to be shared more quickly, but less effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When done less effectively, the effect can be confusing and unsatisfying.

Huffington Post

faces it head-on, much less effectively.

The New York Times - Arts

But they clear protein-bound solutes much less effectively.

Stanford University

If they underbid, they're competing less effectively than the competition".

The New York Times

Less effectively, they also introduce a disappointing philosophical bogeyman.

The New York Times

The final type of epidemic spreads even less effectively.

MIT Technology Review

Would the government's purpose be achieved less effectively without our hypothetical law?

University of California, Berkeley

First, Mercury is less "effectively out of court" than was Idlewild.

Cornell University

And if they eat less, they're performing this ecological function less effectively.

Yale University

We work together less effectively when we are at each other's beck and call.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This process causes neurons to work less effectively and, eventually, to die.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the effectiveness of two methods or approaches, use "less effectively" to clearly indicate which one yields a weaker result. For instance: "While both treatments alleviate the symptoms, the new drug works "less effectively" in patients with severe cases."

Common error

Avoid using "less effectively" when you actually mean "ineffective". "Less effectively" implies some degree of success, while "ineffective" means there is no success at all. For example, don't say 'This strategy works "less effectively"' if the strategy doesn't work at all.

Linguistic Context

The adverbial phrase "less effectively" functions primarily as an adverb of manner, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to describe how an action is performed. It indicates a comparative reduction in the degree or quality of effectiveness. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

36%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less effectively" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to compare the degree of success or impact between two or more actions, methods, or approaches. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and demonstrates its frequent use across various domains, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. While it's important to use "less effectively" only when there is some degree of success (as opposed to "ineffectively", which indicates complete failure), this phrase is a versatile tool for nuanced comparison. Remember to consider alternatives like "with reduced efficacy" or "to a lesser extent" to add variety to your writing. By understanding its proper usage, you can enhance the precision and clarity of your communication. Furthermore, it's use is more common on News & Media, Science and Academia source types.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In a less efficient manner

Emphasizes the reduction in productivity or resource utilization.

With impaired performance

Draws attention to the compromised quality or functionality.

With reduced efficacy

Focuses on the diminished capacity to produce a desired result.

Suboptimally

Implies that the performance is below the best possible level.

Not as productively

Highlights a decrease in the rate of output or achievement.

To a smaller degree

Focuses on the reduced level or intensity of an action or effect.

To a lesser extent

Indicates a smaller degree of impact or influence.

With limited success

Indicates that the endeavor did not achieve all its goals.

Inadequately

Suggests a failure to meet the required standard or expectation.

Deficiently

Highlights a lack or shortage in the necessary qualities or abilities.

FAQs

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

Use "less effectively" to compare two actions or methods where one produces a weaker result than the other. For example, "The older model filters water "less effectively" than the newer one".

What are some alternatives to saying "less effectively"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "with reduced efficacy", "to a lesser extent", or "in a less efficient manner".

Is it correct to say "least effectively" instead of "less effectively"?

"Least effectively" indicates the lowest degree of effectiveness among three or more options, while "less effectively" compares only two. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the number of items being compared.

What's the difference between "less effectively" and "ineffectively"?

"Less effectively" means something works but not as well as something else, while "ineffectively" means something does not work at all. The choice depends on whether there is any positive effect.