Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

less engage

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less engage" is not correct in written English.
You would need to use a word like "less engaged". For example, "The students were less engaged in the lesson than usual."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Quail-deep-throating David Cameron and his sidekicks always target young people, knowing they vote less, engage less and are just more broken and jaded.

News & Media

The Guardian

Consume less, engage more.

News & Media

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

One possible reason for this could potentially be related to the level of engagement between settings, with teleconference reviewers possibly being slightly less engaged than those participating onsite.

Science

BMJ Open

The choreographic text, however, was less engaging.

News & Media

The Guardian

Other entrees were less engaging.

News & Media

The New York Times

Chicken breast stuffed with fruits proved less engaging.

News & Media

The New York Times

But, strangely, not less engaged in the hunt.

His successor, Thabo Mbeki (state visit 2001), was less engaging.

News & Media

The New York Times

Actually, though, the multimedia split focus leaves you less engaged.

News & Media

Independent

Without the street life of the city, walking seems less connected, less engaging.

News & Media

The New York Times

Mrs. Thomas seems no less engaged during the off-season and off the field.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the correct form of the verb after "less". Use "less engaged" instead of "less engage" to ensure grammatical accuracy.

Common error

Avoid using the base form of the verb after "less". Using "less engage" is grammatically incorrect. Always use the past participle form, such as "less engaged".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

2.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less engage" is grammatically incorrect and functions as an incomplete comparative statement. It attempts to express a lower degree of engagement but fails due to improper verb form. Ludwig AI flags this as an error, suggesting the correct form is "less engaged".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less engage" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided. Ludwig AI identifies this as an error. The correct form is "less engaged", which expresses a reduced state of involvement or participation. Although there are limited examples of the incorrect phrase, the intended meaning is clear, and alternative phrases like "less involved" or "not as engaged" can be used. Always ensure the verb form is correct to maintain clarity and grammatical accuracy in your writing.

FAQs

How can I correct the phrase "less engage"?

The correct phrase is "less engaged". Use the past participle form of the verb to ensure grammatical accuracy.

What does it mean to be "less engaged"?

To be "less engaged" means to be less involved, active, or interested in something. It indicates a reduced level of participation or attention.

Are there synonyms for "less engaged"?

Yes, alternatives include "less involved", "less active", or "less participatory". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "less engaging" different from "less engaged"?

"Less engaging" describes something that is not very interesting or captivating, while "less engaged" describes someone who is not very involved or attentive. The meanings are quite different.

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

2.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: