less expressive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less expressive" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to talk about something that conveys less feeling or information than something else. For example, "She gave a less expressive response to the question than her brother."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Moreover, the formalism in which SNOMED CT is expressed is much less expressive than OWL.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

The rest of the body is no less expressive.

The New York Times

The effect is less expressive than purgative, but "The American Room" (2003-04) is fully grounded.

The New Yorker

Secretive is not the word – I think she's just more private, less expressive, than he is".

The Guardian

But scenes of extended, almost absurd, relaxation are no less expressive of his temperament.

The Guardian

In contrast to traditional portraiture, the eyes and mouth are less expressive than the forehead, cheeks, nose, and hair.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some buildings have only a single, simple interior space (the Pantheon in Rome) or exterior mass (the pyramids of Egypt) and are not less expressive on this account.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Amid the cacophony of larger movies, one sound stood out: a simian howl, often aggrieved, but no less expressive than its human counterpart — often, indeed, more so.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The head, neck, and horns of the antelope are emphasized, the animal's body being treated in a less-expressive way.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Furthermore, we provide precise directives on how to map conceptual domain models in this language to their implementation in less-expressive computationally-oriented codification languages.

Science of Computer Programming

She points out that, "children have become less emotionally expressive, less energetic, less talkative and verbally expressive, less humorous, less imaginative, less unconventional, less lively and passionate, less perceptive, less apt to connect seemingly irrelevant things, less synthesizing, and less likely to see things from a different angle".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing characters in fiction, use "less expressive" to subtly indicate emotional depth or a hidden inner life rather than simply stating they are unemotional.

Common error

Avoid using "less expressive" when you mean "unresponsive". "Less expressive" indicates a subtle reduction in expression, while "unresponsive" suggests a complete lack of response.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less expressive" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun by indicating a reduced degree of expressiveness. It denotes a lower capacity or tendency to convey thoughts, feelings, or information effectively. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less expressive" is a grammatically sound and versatile comparative adjective phrase, frequently used to describe a diminished capacity for conveying emotions, thoughts, or information. As Ludwig AI states, its widespread usage is supported by diverse sources, ranging from scientific publications to news articles. When using this phrase, consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning, and avoid substituting it for stronger terms like "unresponsive" when a complete lack of expression is meant. When using this phrase, remember that synonyms such as "less demonstrative", "emotionally reserved", or "subdued in expression" can provide nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subdued in expression

This alternative emphasizes a restrained or muted way of conveying feelings.

less demonstrative

This alternative highlights a reduced outward display of emotions.

emotionally reserved

This alternative points to a tendency to keep emotions private.

guarded in expression

This alternative highlights the cautious and controlled nature of one's communication.

not very communicative

This alternative focuses on the lack of communication skills.

restrained in manner

This alternative emphasizes the control and lack of spontaneity in one's behavior.

less forthcoming

This alternative focuses on a reluctance to share information or feelings.

inarticulate

This alternative indicates a difficulty in expressing oneself clearly.

unresponsive

This alternative suggests a lack of reaction or engagement.

taciturn

This alternative denotes a habitual silence or reluctance to talk.

FAQs

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

You can use "less expressive" to describe someone or something that shows fewer emotions or conveys less information than usual. For example, "Compared to her sister, she was "less expressive" during the interview".

What's a good alternative to "less expressive"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "less demonstrative", "emotionally reserved", or "subdued in expression" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less expressive"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Less" is used to form the comparative of adjectives and adverbs, and "expressive" is an adjective. Therefore, "less expressive" is a standard comparative phrase.

What's the difference between "less expressive" and "inarticulate"?

"Less expressive" implies a reduction in the outward display of emotions or information, while "inarticulate" suggests a difficulty in clearly expressing oneself verbally. The first is about showing, and the second is about communicating.