less emphatically

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less emphatically" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to describe something that is stated or expressed with less emphasis or intensity than something else. Example: "She agreed with the proposal, but less emphatically than her colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Saudi Arabia and Egypt have spoken less emphatically.

The New York Times

Just way less emphatically than he did three weeks ago.

The Guardian - Sport

All of which poses, less emphatically than in more bullishly enacted qualifications, the question of what happens next.

The Guardian - Sport

And so the past nine anniversaries have passed by, each marked less emphatically than the one before.

The Guardian

Under any proper accounting, the parent bank would certainly be insolvent though less emphatically so than the other three big state banks.

The Economist

Mississippi voted slightly less emphatically for Trump (57.9 percent) than did the four contiguous states: Alabama (62.1), Tennessee (60.7), Arkansas (60.6) and Louisiana (58.1).

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

This current vintage is emphatically less than the sum of its parts.

BBC

"Voodoo is not the devil, and still less Satan," he writes emphatically in one of the pamphlets for sale in his storefront, a detailed guide to the religion's principal divinities.

The New York Times

Prominent novels that have come out this year, from Alan Warner, James Kelman, Jenni Fagan and, less obviously but still emphatically, Ewan Morrison, John Niven and Dougie Johnstone, clearly could not have been written by non-Scots.

The Guardian - Books

The dining room, dark and emphatically frill-less, seems to lack the requisite touch of Miss Marple-style gentility.

The New Yorker

And less than a week later North Korea emphatically denied apologizing to Seoul.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less emphatically" to indicate a deliberate reduction in the intensity of a statement. For example, when softening a disagreement or presenting a nuanced perspective.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "less emphatically" in highly formal or academic writing. While grammatically sound, it can sometimes be perceived as weakening the overall impact of your argument. Consider more precise and nuanced alternatives like "more subtly" or "with reduced intensity" for stronger clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less emphatically" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifically modifying verbs or clauses to indicate a reduced degree of emphasis or forcefulness. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts to soften statements.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less emphatically" functions as an adverbial modifier indicating a reduced level of emphasis or intensity. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in news and media, to convey nuance and moderation. While it can be useful in softening statements or expressing reservations, be mindful of overuse in formal writing where more precise alternatives might be preferable. The use of alternatives such as "more subtly" or "with less intensity" depends on the specific context and desired effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as strongly

A straightforward way to indicate a decrease in force or intensity.

with less intensity

Directly indicates a reduction in the strength or force of expression.

with reduced emphasis

Highlights the lowered importance or stress placed on something.

in a milder fashion

Implies gentler, less severe expression or action.

more subtly

Indicates a reduced level of directness; focuses more on nuance and understatement.

with less conviction

Implies a weaker belief or certainty in what is being said.

in a more understated manner

Emphasizes a lack of showiness or overt expression.

with a softer tone

Highlights a change in the manner of speaking, suggesting gentleness or mildness.

more guardedly

Suggests a cautious or reserved approach in expressing something.

somewhat tentatively

Indicates uncertainty or hesitation in the expression.

FAQs

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

Use "less emphatically" to show a decrease in the intensity of a statement. For example: "She supported the proposal, but "less emphatically" than the others."

What are some alternatives to saying "less emphatically"?

You can use alternatives like "more subtly", "with less intensity", or "in a more understated manner" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "not emphatically" instead of "less emphatically"?

While "not emphatically" is grammatically correct, it indicates a complete lack of emphasis. "Less emphatically" suggests a reduction, rather than an absence, of emphasis, providing a more nuanced meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "less emphatically" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "less emphatically" when you want to convey that something is stated or expressed with reduced force or conviction, often to soften a statement or show a degree of uncertainty.