less instrumental

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less instrumental" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not as effective or influential in achieving a particular outcome or goal. Example: "While the new policy is beneficial, it is less instrumental in addressing the root causes of the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

We might want to revise the World Bank's catchphrase into something less instrumental: gender equality may be smart economics but it also offers the promise of more human-centred growth.

The Guardian

To illustrate this proposition further, socially tied individuals usually have more or less instrumental concerns.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

I will conclude by arguing that, although at present, the core of Dutch ecogenomics research reflects a more or less instrumental attitude towards nature, the field also harbours other interpretations of nature as a significant and meaningful order.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Interestingly, and perhaps a product of age, higher faculty position correlated with higher attitudes of helping, r = .516, p < .001, but, as we saw with age, less instrumental helpfulness, r = −.204, p < .030.030

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Finally, I will argue that, although at present, the bulk of Dutch ecogenomics research reflects a more or less instrumental attitude towards nature, the field – in particular the metagenomic approach – also harbours other interpretations of nature as a significant and meaningful order, which could support a more humble and respectful approach to natural systems.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Without delving into gender stereotypes, dads who technically have fewer overnights are no less instrumental to the overall smooth functioning of their child's life, when there's no dodging of responsibilities.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"Bloom" opens the album with loops of piano, drums and less identifiable instrumental tones.

The New York Times - Arts

Coffin's strait-laced parents were also less than instrumental in inspiring or encouraging their son's always good-humoured creative endeavours.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In his earlier works Reich used voices as more or less an instrumental tone colour, embedding them as another strand in his pulsing textures.

The Guardian - Music

"It's one thing to make a piece that is more or less an instrumental demonstration of what a novel technology can do, but I'm especially interested in artworks that use those technologies to tell stories or otherwise make meanings that are worth sustained attention and discussion".

The Guardian - Arts

Women from the former Soviet Union and Russia (8.8%) and Somalia (8.1%) had less often instrumental deliveries than Finns did (P < 0.01 for both).

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the nuances of "instrumental". It implies a tool or means to an end. Using "less instrumental" suggests a reduced role as a facilitator or enabler.

Common error

Avoid using "less instrumental" when you mean simply "less helpful" or "less useful". "Instrumental" specifically implies a causal role in achieving a specific outcome. Make sure that context fits.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less instrumental" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a reduced degree of importance or effectiveness in achieving a particular outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable and correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less instrumental" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjective phrase. It signifies a reduced degree of importance or effectiveness in achieving a specific outcome, as validated by Ludwig AI. While versatile, it is most frequently found in scientific and news-related writing, suggesting a formal or neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly specifies what the subject is instrumental in. Alternatives like "less effective" or "less significant" may be suitable depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less influential

Focuses on the reduced power to affect something.

less significant

Highlights the diminished importance of something.

less effective

Emphasizes the reduced capacity to produce a desired outcome.

of minor importance

Indicates that something has a lower degree of relevance.

not as crucial

Stresses that something is not as critical or essential.

not so vital

Highlights that something has a reduced level of necessity.

less contributory

Focuses on the reduced role in contributing to a result.

less decisive

Emphasizes a reduced ability to determine an outcome.

less pivotal

Focuses on the reduced central or crucial importance.

of secondary importance

Indicates that something has a lower priority compared to other factors.

FAQs

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

Use "less instrumental" to indicate that something is not as effective or important in achieving a particular result. For example, "While helpful, that measure was "less instrumental" in solving the larger problem".

What are some alternatives to "less instrumental"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "less effective", "less significant", or "less influential" as alternatives to "less instrumental".

Is it better to say "less instrumental" or "not as instrumental"?

Both "less instrumental" and "not as instrumental" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on your preferred style. "Less instrumental" is slightly more concise.

What's the difference between "less instrumental" and "less helpful"?

"Less instrumental" implies a reduced causal role in achieving a specific outcome. "Less helpful" simply means providing a reduced degree of assistance, without necessarily implying a direct causal link to a particular result.