less evident

USAGE SUMMARY

"less evident" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example: "The benefits of the new health plan became less evident as more people began to analyze it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Less evident is how the confession ought to be interpreted.

The New York Times

Such a movement is less evident in Congress.

The New Yorker

Nevertheless, musically at least, the pimp aesthetic was less evident.

The New York Times - Arts

Inside the locker room, change is no less evident.

The New York Times - Sports

The divide was no less evident on social issues.

The New York Times

But in other troubled European economies, abnegation is less evident.

The Economist

"Ab-Ex Re-Con" contains other, less evident political threads.

The New York Times

But the benefits for the left are less evident.

The Economist

It is no less evident in the case of painting.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The former stance risks tipping the balance against those with less evident obligations, such as jockeys.

The Guardian - Sport

What's less evident is what it really means to operate them once they're built.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less evident", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being compared. For example, "The change was less evident in the second group compared to the first."

Common error

Avoid using "less evident" without clearly establishing a point of comparison. Saying simply, "The problem is less evident" leaves the reader wondering compared to what.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less evident" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun to indicate that something is not as easily seen, noticed, or understood as it once was or compared to something else. Ludwig AI confirms this is a standard English construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

54%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less evident" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that signifies a reduced degree of visibility or obviousness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard construction in English. While suitable for various contexts, it is most commonly found in news, media, and scientific publications, with a neutral to formal register. To ensure clarity, make sure to establish a clear comparison when using "less evident". Alternatives like "less obvious", "less apparent", and "less noticeable" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Avoiding ambiguity in context is a key best practice for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less obvious

Focuses more directly on the lack of immediate noticeability.

less apparent

Highlights the reduced visibility or understanding of something.

less conspicuous

Emphasizes the decreased tendency to attract attention or be easily spotted.

less noticeable

Indicates a reduced degree to which something is likely to be observed or registered.

less visible

Specifically refers to a reduced ability to be seen.

less manifest

Implies that something is present to a smaller degree.

less discernible

Focuses on a reduced ability to be perceived or distinguished.

less pronounced

Indicates that something is present but not with a high degree of clarity.

not as obvious

Uses a negative comparison to convey the relative lack of visibility.

harder to detect

Focuses on the difficulty in discovering or noticing something.

FAQs

What does "less evident" mean?

"Less evident" means not as easily seen or noticed; something that is not immediately obvious or apparent. It suggests a subtle or reduced degree of visibility or clarity.

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

You can use "less evident" to describe something that is not immediately apparent, such as "The impact of the policy change was "less evident" than anticipated" or "The connection between the two events became "less evident" over time".

What are some alternatives to "less evident"?

Some alternatives to "less evident" include "less obvious", "less apparent", "less noticeable", or "harder to detect". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "less evident" or "less obvious"?

Both "less evident" and "less obvious" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Less evident" might be preferred in more formal or scientific contexts, while "less obvious" may be suitable for more general use.