less illuminating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less illuminating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that provides less clarity or insight compared to another thing. Example: "The second report was less illuminating than the first, leaving many questions unanswered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Paradoxical though it may seem, even as these books have become more accusatory, they have also become less illuminating.

The New York Times

Other approaches are less illuminating.

Genome Medicine

Other performances were more straightforward, but no less illuminating.

The New York Times - Arts

It's less illuminating on the specific nature and meanings of Ai's art.

Independent

Yet if the question was a shocker, the responses were less illuminating.

The New York Times

It also feels less illuminating, with both danced and spoken material lacking those classic Bausch epiphanies of intimacy and storytelling.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

WASHINGTON — Two 17-watt fluorescent-tube bulbs — no more, no less — illuminated each cell, 24 hours a day.

The New York Times

In the case where a cell of a solar module is shaded, the maximum current available from the module is determined by the current of the solar cell that is less illuminated.

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

Ms. Benedict, who has also written a book based on her interviews, makes some choices that are less than illuminating.

The New York Times

There has been some realization that collecting and connecting dots when everything and anything looks like a dot is less than illuminating.

The New Yorker

We can get it in less brutally illuminated dining rooms and pay for it with credit cards, which Luger still doesn't take.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific aspect of clarity you want to emphasize. Alternatives like "less informative" or "less enlightening" might be more precise depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "less illuminating" excessively in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or technical language might be expected. Instead, opt for more specific terms that capture the exact nature of the lack of clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less illuminating" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating that something provides less clarity or insight compared to something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is perfectly usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Books

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less illuminating" is a grammatically correct and frequently used comparative adjective phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys a deficiency in clarity or insight compared to something else. It's commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Books but can be used in other contexts. To express its meaning, alternative options are available, such as "less enlightening", "less informative", or "not as clear", depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey. When using it, be mindful of the register and context to ensure it aligns with the overall tone and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less enlightening

Focuses more on the lack of intellectual or spiritual insight.

not as clear

Emphasizes the lack of clarity, a more direct assessment.

less informative

Highlights the lack of information provided.

less revealing

Stresses the lack of uncovered or disclosed information.

not as helpful

Focuses on the lack of assistance or utility provided.

less descriptive

Highlights the deficiency in providing descriptive details.

less explanatory

Emphasizes the lack of explanation or clarification.

more obscure

Suggests that something is harder to understand, less transparent.

less obvious

Highlights the lack of immediate clarity or visibility.

not very helpful

A more colloquial way of saying something isn't providing much assistance or clarity.

FAQs

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

You can use "less illuminating" to compare the level of clarity or insight provided by two different sources or pieces of information. For example: "The second report was "less illuminating" than the first, leaving many questions unanswered."

What are some alternatives to "less illuminating"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "less enlightening", "less informative", or "not as clear". The best choice depends on the specific aspect of clarity you want to emphasize.

Is it correct to say "not as illuminating" instead of "less illuminating"?

Yes, "not as illuminating" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning to "less illuminating". It's a matter of stylistic preference which one you choose.

What's the difference between "less illuminating" and "misleading"?

"Less illuminating" suggests a lack of clarity or insight, while "misleading" implies that something is actively deceptive or gives a false impression. Something can be "less illuminating" without being intentionally "misleading".