less embarrassing for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less embarrassing for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations where someone feels less shame or discomfort due to certain circumstances or actions. Example: "Choosing to address the issue privately was less embarrassing for everyone involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Perhaps it would be better, less embarrassing for him, if I were to pretend that he wasn't crying — to ignore him, basically.

The New Yorker

Although it is possible that this motion could be defeated, this would be far less embarrassing for Clegg than a vote to drop the bill altogether.

The Guardian

The way my old friend, exit secretary David Davis, caved in to the insistence from the EU27 that this so-called negotiation be dealt with according to their timetable, not his, was no less embarrassing for being so predictable.

The Guardian - Business

But the absence of electronic messages that were supposed to have been saved on White House computers may not prove any less embarrassing for the Clinton administration than the vast e-mail archive behind the government's antitrust case was to Microsoft.

The New York Times

(Cf. Lewis (1983); Currie (1990 137 9); Kroon (1994).) In short, the fact that there are so many distinct Holmes-candidates is less embarrassing for Lewis than it is for other possibilists.

SEP

As disco and then techno made it less embarrassing for people to go and dance in dark rooms together, the popularity of sonideros has grown.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

WE sat in the editor's office trying to think of a less embarrassing name for the column.

The New York Times

Shepard Smith just said Leonardo DiCaprio painted the Mona Lisa!!!! pic.twitter.com/fFTKFqn4k3 As far as Fox News gaffes go however, it ranks as one of the less embarrassing moments for a network that once described Birmingham as a 'Muslim-only' city and declared that "crack babies" were coming from women smoking cannabis.

Independent

"Let this be your healthy alternative to 'bar night' and your less embarrassing substitution for that company karaoke event," Aly Moore implores to company event planners on her website.

Forbes

Three main advantages of telephone consultations were identified: 1) patients could remain anonymous; 2) the telephone was deemed a more convenient and less embarrassing medium for speaking to a doctor than in person; and 3) such consultations were assessed as saving time because no travel to a clinic was required (Table 4).

BMC Infectious Diseases

But at the moment, the Rangers are a whole lot less embarrassing — no small thing for a team that started as the lowly Washington Senators and has endured everything from David Clyde's blown-out arm to Alex Rodriguez's $252 million contract.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less embarrassing for", ensure that the context clearly specifies who or what benefits from the reduced embarrassment. Clarity prevents ambiguity and enhances the effectiveness of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "less embarrassing for" when a different emotion, like discomfort or inconvenience, is more appropriate. This ensures that your language accurately reflects the situation you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less embarrassing for" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a reduction in the level of shame or discomfort experienced by someone. This is evidenced by Ludwig AI, which confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

29%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less embarrassing for" is a phrase used to describe situations that minimize shame or awkwardness. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It functions as an adjective phrase, often appearing in news and media contexts, and to a lesser extent, in scientific discussions. To improve your writing, ensure the context clarifies who benefits from the reduction in embarrassment and avoid using it when a different emotion is more accurate. Alternatives include phrases like "more comfortable for" or "less awkward for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Consider the examples and related phrases provided by Ludwig to better understand its application and usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less humiliating for

Focuses on avoiding extreme shame rather than mild embarrassment.

less awkward for

Focuses on reducing social discomfort rather than intense embarrassment.

more comfortable for

Highlights increasing ease and relaxation instead of specifically avoiding embarrassment.

more dignified for

Emphasizes maintaining respectability rather than solely reducing embarrassment.

more acceptable for

Emphasizes social approval over the reduction of personal embarrassment.

more tactful for

Stresses the importance of showing consideration and sensitivity, not necessarily reducing embarrassment.

easier for

Simplifies the situation, focusing on convenience rather than emotional state.

more suitable for

Highlights appropriateness, shifting away from emotional considerations of embarrassment.

more palatable for

Indicates making something agreeable or acceptable, not necessarily less embarrassing.

more presentable for

Centers on improving appearance rather than addressing emotional discomfort.

FAQs

How can I use "less embarrassing for" in a sentence?

Use "less embarrassing for" to describe situations where an action or choice reduces someone's feelings of shame or awkwardness. For example, "Choosing to apologize privately was "less embarrassing for" everyone involved."

What are some alternatives to "less embarrassing for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "more comfortable for", "less awkward for", or "more dignified for".

Is it always appropriate to aim for something being "less embarrassing for" someone?

While reducing embarrassment is often desirable, consider whether other values like honesty or directness should take precedence. Sometimes, a difficult conversation might be necessary despite being potentially "embarrassing".

How does "less embarrassing for" differ from "easier for"?

"Less embarrassing for" specifically addresses emotional discomfort, while "easier for" focuses on reducing practical difficulty. An action can be "easier for" someone without necessarily being "less embarrassing for" them.