less instructive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less instructive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that provides fewer instructions or guidance compared to another source or context. Example: "The second tutorial was less instructive than the first, leaving many questions unanswered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

You will reflect on the fact that these "instructions" are becoming less and less instructive.

The New Yorker

The Swiss example is no less instructive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Screening is far less instructive for physicians.

The New York Times - Health

Sober judgement of events out on the track suggested that the second Epsom trial of the meeting had proved rather less instructive than the first.

Independent

McClain was later fined $40,000, a delayed penalty considerably less instructive to fans and young players than Collinsworth's live, confident commentary.

The New York Times - Sports

"In the tumultuous love story between God and his people, failure was no less instructive than success," he continues a few pages later.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

So your examples of three extremely high-achieving students, from one of the most privileged and affluent communities in the country, were less than instructive on how the rest of us can cope.

The New York Times

This was followed by filling in the Kolb Learning Style Inventory questionnaire LSI 3. 3. CB-SCID1 test: The physicians received oral instructions on how to use the computer program and that it was more or less self-instructive compared to normal "paper" SCID-training, before using CB-SCID1.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Even when the storytelling swerves into Gothic melodrama, the clinical detail is never less than, well, instructive.

The New York Times - Books

Other experts, however, cautioned that Richard Fee's experience is instructive less in its ending than its evolution — that it underscores aspects of A.D.H.D. treatment that are mishandled every day with countless patients, many of them children.

The New York Times

While several participants found the work placements themselves less demanding or instructive than desired, certain gains are nonetheless indisputable: an increased understanding of French language and working culture, a proven ability to adapt to life in a new country and a large network of international contacts.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two sources of information, use "less instructive" to clearly indicate which provides fewer explicit instructions or guidance. For example, "The second manual was "less instructive" than the first, requiring additional research."

Common error

Avoid using "less instructive" when you mean something is entirely uninstructive or completely lacking in educational value. "Less instructive" implies a comparative lack of instruction, not a complete absence. Use "uninstructive" or "not instructive" instead when something offers no guidance at all.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less instructive" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating a lower degree of providing instruction or guidance compared to something else. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to contrast the level of instruction provided by different sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less instructive" functions as a comparative adjective phrase that denotes a lower degree of instruction or guidance. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's most commonly found in news, media and scientific contexts, and it serves to highlight a relative deficiency in information provision. When using the phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects a comparative lack of instruction rather than a complete absence of it. Consider alternatives like "less informative" or "not as helpful" depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as informative

Focuses on the lack of information provided.

less educational

Highlights a decrease in educational value.

less enlightening

Emphasizes a reduction in understanding gained.

less illuminating

Highlights a reduced ability to clarify a topic.

not as helpful

Indicates a decrease in assistance or support.

less beneficial

Focuses on the reduced advantage or gain.

not very useful

Emphasizes a lack of practicality or usability.

less valuable

Highlights a decrease in overall worth or importance.

not as clear

Focuses on a lack of clarity or comprehensibility.

less descriptive

Indicates a reduction in detailed explanation.

FAQs

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

You can use "less instructive" to compare two things, indicating that one provides fewer instructions or guidance than the other. For example, "This tutorial is "less instructive" than the previous one."

What is a good alternative to "less instructive"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "less instructive" include "less informative", "less educational", or "not as helpful".

When should I use "less instructive" instead of "uninstructive"?

"Less instructive" should be used when comparing two sources, where one provides fewer instructions. "Uninstructive" means completely lacking in instruction. For example, if one guide is only marginally helpful, you would say it's "less instructive" than a comprehensive guide. If a guide provides no useful advice, it is "uninstructive".

Is "less instructive" grammatically correct?

Yes, "less instructive" is grammatically correct. It uses "less" as a comparative adjective modifier to describe the degree to which something provides instruction.