less intense

USAGE SUMMARY

"less intense" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe something that is lower in intensity or strength than it was before. For example, "The light was much less intense when the sun started to set."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We will become less intense.

The New Yorker

"And it's not becoming less intense.

The New York Times

But such trips are becoming less intense.

The Economist

They offer a less intense experience.

The Guardian - Travel

The countervailing pressures are no less intense.

The New York Times

It is growing less intense with time.

The New York Times - Sports

At their less intense, they are fun.

The Guardian - Books

Criticism of Brennan has been less intense.

The Guardian

The erotic charge seems less intense.

The Guardian - Books

Gunfire was still heard Tuesday, though it seemed less intense.

The New York Times

This one between teenagers, but no less intense.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less intense" when you want to accurately describe a reduction in strength, degree, or force. Consider the specific context to ensure it aligns with the intended nuance.

Common error

Avoid using "less intense" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and nuanced alternatives like "reduced", "diminished", or "moderate" for greater clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less intense" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. As confirmed by Ludwig, it modifies a noun, indicating a decreased degree or strength of the quality the noun possesses. The phrase appears in various contexts to describe different phenomena, such as pain, competition, or even light.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less intense" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that describes a reduction in strength, degree, or force. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across diverse contexts, from news and media to science and general writing. While versatile, it's essential to consider the specific context and potential alternatives for nuanced expression. Remember to avoid overuse in formal writing, opting for more precise vocabulary when appropriate. The phrase serves to inform the audience that something has been moderated or reduced in strength, and given its prevalence, it’s likely to be well-understood by readers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

milder

Indicates a gentler or more moderate quality.

weaker

Suggests a reduction in physical strength or power.

reduced

Implies a deliberate lessening or diminishing of something.

diminished

Similar to reduced, but often suggests a more gradual decline.

subdued

Conveys a sense of being calmer or more restrained.

moderate

Suggests a balanced or average level of intensity.

gentler

Implies a softer or more delicate approach.

tempered

Suggests that something has been moderated or restrained.

eased

Indicates a lessening of pressure or strain.

alleviated

Implies a reduction in suffering or discomfort.

FAQs

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

You can use "less intense" to describe a variety of scenarios where something has decreased in strength or degree. For example, "The pain was "less intense" after taking medication" or "The competition became "less intense" as the deadline approached".

What are some alternatives to "less intense"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "milder", "weaker", "reduced", or "subdued" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "least intense" instead of "less intense"?

"Least intense" implies the lowest possible level of intensity, whereas ""less intense"" indicates a reduction from a previous level. The choice depends on the specific context and desired meaning.

What's the difference between "less intense" and "not as intense"?

"Less intense" directly states a reduction in intensity, while "not as intense" implies a comparison to something else. While similar, ""less intense"" is often more concise and direct.