less fluent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less fluent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a lower level of fluency in a language or skill compared to others. Example: "While she speaks English well, she is less fluent than her peers, often struggling with complex sentences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I could say that somehow it was less fluent," he told me.

The New Yorker

A native-speaker could end up being certified by someone less fluent.

The Economist

Stewart repeats the dose with a less fluent chop for one.

The Guardian - Sport

Mathews was far less fluent but he clung on as harassed captains tend to do.

The Guardian - Sport

When she met Hale onstage at the Bolshoi, she was less fluent in English than in German, French, and Italian.

The New Yorker

Its exam results are excellent, despite an intake poorer and less fluent in English than the average.

The Economist

The remainder of the book is far less fluent and poised than the prologue and takes place 12 years later.

The New York Times - Books

The duress under which they were written renders them sparer and less fluent than he was at his best.

The Guardian - Books

In the Newsnight debate, Paddick came over, perhaps inevitably, as a less fluent political communicator than either of the frontrunners.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Many help their less-fluent parents with form-filling, as other children help their elders navigate the internet.

The Economist

Their English is above intermediate but less than fluent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "less fluent", specify the area where they lack fluency (e.g., "less fluent in Spanish" or "less fluent in technical jargon") to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that someone who is "less fluent" in one area is generally incompetent. Fluency is often context-specific, and individuals may excel in other areas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less fluent" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to describe a lower degree of fluency in a language, skill, or process. As noted by Ludwig AI, it describes a state of reduced ease or proficiency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less fluent" is a versatile and commonly used comparative adjective phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to describe a lower degree of proficiency in a skill, language, or process, and is generally considered grammatically correct and appropriate across diverse contexts. The frequency of its usage is very common, particularly in News & Media and Science. When using "less fluent", it's important to specify the area of reduced fluency and avoid overgeneralizations. Alternative phrases like "not as fluent" or "less proficient" can be used depending on the context. By providing specific information and avoiding assumptions, you can use "less fluent" effectively to communicate a relative lack of skill in a clear and objective manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as fluent

Directly contrasts fluency, indicating a lower level.

less proficient

Focuses on skill level rather than ease of expression.

not very fluent

Emphasizes the lack of fluency.

somewhat fluent

Indicates a partial degree of fluency.

struggles with fluency

Highlights the difficulty in achieving fluency.

lacks fluency

Directly states the absence of fluency.

not quite fluent

Suggests nearing fluency but not quite there.

displays limited fluency

Formal way to describe a restriction in fluency.

demonstrates reduced fluency

Formal phrase pointing to a decrease in fluency.

has difficulty with fluency

Focuses on the challenges faced in achieving fluency.

FAQs

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

You can use "less fluent" to describe someone's proficiency in a language or skill. For instance, "He is "less fluent" in English than his brother", or "Her writing became "less fluent" under pressure".

What's the difference between "less fluent" and "not fluent"?

"Less fluent" indicates a lower level of proficiency compared to a standard or another person. "Not fluent" implies a complete lack of fluency. So, someone who is "less fluent" has some ability, while someone who is not fluent has little to no ability.

What are some alternatives to saying "less fluent"?

Alternatives to "less fluent" include "not as fluent", "less proficient", or "struggles with fluency". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "less fluent" in formal writing?

Yes, "less fluent" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a neutral and objective way to describe someone's skill level. However, be sure to provide context to avoid any potential misinterpretations or negative connotations.