less hard than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less hard than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the difficulty of two tasks or situations, indicating that one is easier than the other. Example: "This math problem is less hard than the one we solved yesterday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Glass ranks around 5.5 to 7 Mohs, but sapphire crystal has a hardness of 9 Mohs, making it only slightly less hard than diamond.

The Guardian - Tech

And EU regulations bite less hard than is commonly supposed.

The Economist

[Laughs] But I'm much less hard than I used to be.

The New Yorker

Is the glass ceiling for a woman harder or less hard than it was for an African-American?

The New York Times

Regulators had been frustrated that the bank was working less hard than its peers to shore up its funding.

The Economist

Thankfully he pushed less hard than usual in his bravura, which complemented Ms. Tuttle's brilliance in Act III.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Burkle, Tanenbaum and Chipman are believed to be less hard line than other N.H.L. owners.

The New York Times - Sports

It's less hard tech than Cambridge and Manchester, instead focusing more on the creative adaptation of existing technologies.

The Guardian - Tech

The mood at this conference and others in recent times is less hard edged than such gatherings tended to be before he became leader.

Independent

We shouldn't have exhausted law makers.Bagehot: Do you think MPs work less hard now than they did then?WH: No, I think they work in a different way.

The Economist

More sinisterly, there has been a wave of "boss-napping", a form of kidnapping in which managers are kept by workers overnight in their own offices.Yet France's economy has been less hard hit than many.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less hard than", ensure that the comparison is clear and specific. Avoid vague comparisons that leave the reader unsure of what is being compared. For example, instead of saying "The task was less hard than expected", specify "The task was "less hard than" the previous assignment".

Common error

Avoid using "less hard than" in contexts where a more precise adjective would be appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "The metal is "less hard than" another", specify its relative hardness using a scale like the Mohs scale.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less hard than" functions as a comparative, typically used to indicate that one object, task, or situation possesses a lower degree of hardness or difficulty compared to another. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66.66%

Science

33.33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less hard than" is a comparative expression used to indicate that something is not as difficult or rigid as something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. Analysis of example usages reveals its prevalence in news and media, as well as scientific discussions. To enhance clarity in writing, ensure the comparison is specific and avoid overuse when more precise language is available. Alternatives such as "easier than" or "not as difficult as" can offer stylistic variety. Common contexts include assessing task difficulty or material properties. The phrase maintains a neutral register, fitting across diverse writing styles. Ludwig's examples and analysis underscore its versatility and proper application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as challenging as

Emphasizes a reduction in difficulty or the level of challenge involved.

simpler than

Focuses on the ease or lack of complexity in comparison.

easier compared to

Highlights the reduced effort or difficulty when juxtaposed with something else.

less strenuous than

Indicates a decrease in the amount of energy or effort required.

not as intense as

Conveys a reduced level of strength, force, or emotional impact.

milder than

Suggests a gentler or more moderate quality in comparison.

lighter than

Indicates a reduction in weight, burden, or impact.

softer than

Emphasizes a lack of harshness or severity.

gentler than

Highlights a kinder or more delicate approach or quality.

weaker than

Focuses on a reduction in physical strength or power.

FAQs

How can I use "less hard than" in a sentence?

You can use "less hard than" to compare the relative difficulty of two things. For example, "Solving this puzzle was "less hard than" I anticipated".

What is a good alternative for "less hard than"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "easier than", "simpler than", or "not as difficult as".

Which is correct: "less hard than" or "not as hard as"?

Both "less hard than" and "not as hard as" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on stylistic preference. "Not as hard as" might sound more natural in some contexts.

What's the difference between "less hard than" and "easier than"?

"Less hard than" directly compares hardness or difficulty, while "easier than" implies less effort or complexity required. They are similar, but "easier than" may be more appropriate for tasks or activities, whereas "less hard than" can also apply to physical properties.