less fervently

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less fervently" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is expressing their feelings or actions with less intensity or passion than before. Example: "She argued her point less fervently than she had in previous discussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The Army tends to be less fervently anti-Brotherhood than the state-security forces, but it has always opposed Islamists, and traditionally officers have not been very devout.

The New Yorker

It can implement the harsher side of Islamic justice less fervently, relax its more repressive or tiresome rules, be fairer to women (who already do better than in some Arab countries), allow free expression and association.

The Economist

If Mr Obama proves as skilled at pressing his advantages with young and non-white voters, evangelical or not, as he was four years ago, and if evangelical voters support Mr Romney less fervently than they did George Bush in 2004 (78%) or John McCain in 2008 (74%), that could spell trouble for the Republicans.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

All three main candidates, out of the nine who ran, promised an open, democratic Croatia, less authoritarian and fervently nationalist, with closer ties to the European Union and the United States.

The New York Times

And that similarity revises the history of the Lakers and Celtics a bit, which has always hinged on the idea of irreconcilable differences between the teams and the cities where they played: East Coast vs. West Coast, blue collar basketball vs. the Lakers' "Showtime" style, and less reasonably, but perhaps most fervently, the idea that the Celtics were "white" while the Lakers were "black".

The New Yorker

(Part 2 is here) Ghiaurov/Atlantov/Semchuk/Burchuladze/Vienna State Opera, 1989 Mussorgsky was one of the less obvious composers whom Abbado fervently championed, and he conducted stage productions of both of the complete operas, though only Act IV of his Khovanschina seems to be available on video.

The Guardian - Music

While he fervently embraced music's unassailable affective nature, Wolpe no less doggedly sought to devise theoretical bases for composition.

The New York Times - Arts

While Tian and his dozen-or-so colleagues believed fervently in the project, EA's other executives were less enamoured.

The Guardian - Tech

When asked what had changed, one Western diplomat said that the fervently pro-American Albanians, most of whom are Muslims, had been far less willing to cause trouble of any kind since Sept. 11, out of fear of being lumped in with anti-American terrorists.

The New York Times

I used to fervently believe those words, but as I was saying them, they seemed to ring less true than they have in the past.

TechCrunch

"GM rice can also give results like this, helping farmers earn about $85 more per hectare per season versus farmers who grow traditional rice," Huang adds fervently, because all genetically modified crops give higher yields while lowering costs by requiring less pesticide.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less fervently" when you want to indicate a noticeable decrease in the intensity of a feeling, belief, or action. It is suitable for describing a change in attitude or behavior, especially in contexts where strong emotions were previously present.

Common error

Avoid using "less fervently" when you actually mean "less frequently". "Fervently" refers to the intensity of a feeling, while "frequently" refers to how often something occurs. For example, say "They visited the temple less frequently" instead of "They visited the temple less fervently" if you are referring to the number of visits.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less fervently" functions as an adverbial modifier. It modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb to indicate a decrease in the intensity or passion with which an action is performed. Ludwig examples show its use in describing diminished support or defense of an idea.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less fervently" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to describe a reduction in the intensity or passion with which something is done. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is appropriate and useful. While relatively rare in occurrence, its usage is straightforward and typically found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to distinguish it from similar terms like "less frequently" and to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning of diminished enthusiasm or zeal. Consider using alternatives like "with diminished enthusiasm" or "with reduced intensity" for similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less intensely

Directly addresses the level of intensity, indicating a decrease in force.

with reduced intensity

Highlights the lowered strength or force of the feeling or action.

with tempered enthusiasm

Suggests that enthusiasm has been restrained or moderated.

with diminished enthusiasm

Emphasizes the reduction in enthusiasm, focusing on the emotional aspect.

not as passionately

Directly contrasts the level of passion, suggesting a milder approach.

with less zeal

Focuses on the lack of intense eagerness or dedication.

in a more subdued manner

Describes a quieter or more restrained way of expressing something.

more mildly

Indicates a gentler or more moderate manner.

with less vigor

Indicates a reduction in energy or effort.

with a lighter touch

Implies a gentler and more delicate approach.

FAQs

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

You can use "less fervently" to describe a decrease in the intensity of someone's feelings or actions. For instance, "She defended her position "less fervently" after seeing the new evidence" indicates a reduction in her passionate defense.

What are some alternatives to saying "less fervently"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "with diminished enthusiasm", "with reduced intensity", or "not as passionately" as alternatives to "less fervently".

Is it grammatically correct to say "less fervently"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Less" is used to indicate a smaller amount or degree of something, and "fervently" is an adverb describing how an action is performed. Combining them correctly conveys a reduction in intensity or passion.

What is the difference between "less fervent" and "less fervently"?

"Less fervent" is an adjective phrase that describes something as having less passion or intensity (e.g., "a less fervent supporter"). "Less fervently" is an adverbial phrase that describes how an action is performed with reduced passion (e.g., "He argued less fervently").