less good

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less good" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing two things, such as to indicate that one thing is of lower quality or not as good as the other. For example, "This book is less good than the other one, but it's still enjoyable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Less good for us.

The Guardian

There are some less good examples.

The New York Times - Arts

It's no less good for that.

The New York Times - Arts

Here the news is less good.

The Economist

There is also a less good reason.

The Economist

It is less good for firefighters.

The Economist

"Sometimes they are good, sometimes less good".

The New York Times - Arts

It's less good at action.

The Guardian - Tech

And the less good stuff?

The New York Times - Science

The food would be less good.

The New Yorker

It's less good news for vegetable farmers.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less good" when directly comparing two options and want to express that one is inferior. For example, "This solution is "less good" than the previous one because it is more expensive."

Common error

Avoid using "less good" when you actually mean "fewer good". "Less" is for uncountable nouns, while "fewer" is for countable nouns. Example: "There are fewer good apples in the basket this year."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less good" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, used to indicate that something is of a lower quality or standard compared to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less good" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to compare two entities where one is deemed inferior. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a comparative adjective phrase and is suitable across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. When employing "less good", ensure direct comparability between the subjects and avoid confusing it with "fewer good" when referring to countable nouns. Alternatives like "not as good" or "inferior" can provide stylistic variety. By keeping these points in mind, you can confidently and effectively integrate "less good" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as good

This is a more common and straightforward alternative to express that something is not of the same quality.

of lower quality

This explicitly states that the quality is reduced compared to something else.

inferior

This word implies a lower rank or quality, often used in more formal contexts.

subpar

This term suggests that something is below the expected standard.

not up to par

Similar to 'subpar', this phrase means something is not meeting the required standard or expectation.

not as effective

This alternative focuses on the reduced effectiveness or performance.

less desirable

This suggests that something is not as wanted or appealing.

second-rate

This term indicates something is of poor quality or not as skillful as others.

deficient

This word indicates that something is lacking an essential quality or element.

weaker

This term is suitable when the comparison is in terms of strength or power.

FAQs

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

Use "less good" to compare two items or options, indicating one is inferior to the other. For example: "The sequel was "less good" than the original movie."

What are some alternatives to saying "less good"?

Consider using "not as good", "inferior", or "subpar" as alternatives for variety.

Is it grammatically correct to use "less good"?

Yes, "less good" is grammatically correct. It's a common way to express that something is not as favorable or effective as something else.

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

"Less good" implies a comparison, while "not good" is a general statement of poor quality. For instance, "This coffee is "less good" than yesterday's" implies a comparison, whereas "This coffee is not good" is a general statement.