less essential

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less essential" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you wish to compare two things and indicate that one of them is not as important or required as the other. For example, "In this time of crisis, we need to prioritize our spending and focus on the more essential items, rather than the less essential."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Surely nobody can make a less essential sequel to this.

The Guardian - Film

They would be no less essential to the book's existence.

The New York Times - Magazine

If you don't use these programs, Google Desktop will seem a lot less essential.

The New York Times - Tech

Congress must then decide whether it wants to pay for less essential coast-to-coast service.

The New York Times

Several pointed out that having close friends of the opposite sex makes romantic relationships less essential.

The New York Times - Magazine

Other bands harked back to English-language rock from decades past, making them less essential imports.

The New York Times - Arts

Lysosomes, which eat more slowly than proteasomes, serve different roles that are no less essential.

The New York Times - Science

"Journalists have become less essential and therefore more vulnerable as a result".

The New Yorker

By the same token, it's no less essential to disentangle McCarthyism from McCarthy.

The New York Times - Books

The gospel brunch — an urban rendering of the after-church Sunday supper — is no less essential.

The New York Times - Food

While other starters are more familiar, they are no less essential.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the importance of two items or tasks, use "less essential" to clearly indicate the lower priority. For example: "Focus on the core features first; the additional styling is less essential at this stage."

Common error

While appropriate, "less essential" can sometimes sound understated in formal contexts. For stronger emphasis on unimportance, use "non-essential" or "peripheral" to convey a more decisive dismissal of the item's significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less essential" functions as a comparative adjective, modifying a noun to indicate a lower degree of importance or necessity. It's used to distinguish something as being of secondary priority, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples and assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

24%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less essential" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative adjective phrase that denotes a lower degree of importance or necessity. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility allows for application across varied contexts, from news reporting to scientific discourse. While "less essential" is suitable for general usage, writers should consider stronger alternatives such as "non-essential" or "peripheral" for more emphatic declarations. When prioritizing, remember that identifying what's "less essential" is crucial for effective focus and resource allocation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less crucial

Emphasizes a reduced critical nature.

less vital

Highlights diminished importance for sustaining something.

less critical

Underscores a decreased level of importance in a decision or situation.

less necessary

Indicates a reduced degree of requirement.

less indispensable

Shows something is more expendable.

less important

Highlights a lower level of significance.

of secondary importance

Indicates something is not the highest priority.

not a priority

Highlights lack of urgency or importance.

dispensable

Implies that something is not needed.

optional

Emphasizes something is not required or compulsory.

FAQs

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

You can use "less essential" to compare the importance of two things, indicating that one is not as necessary or crucial as the other. For example, "While having the latest features is nice, reliable performance is "more essential"."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "less essential"?

Alternatives include "less crucial", "less necessary", or "less important" depending on the specific context. Each emphasizes a reduced degree of importance or requirement.

Is "less essential" grammatically correct?

Yes, "less essential" is grammatically correct. It's a standard comparative form used to indicate that something is not as important or required as something else.

What's the difference between "less essential" and "non-essential"?

"Less essential" implies a lower degree of importance compared to something else, while "non-essential" suggests that something is not required at all. "Non-essential" is a stronger term indicating that something can be omitted without significant impact.