less intensely

USAGE SUMMARY

"less intensely" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adverb that means "with less intensity", and is used to describe how something is done or experienced. For example: She spoke less intensely than usual, revealing her fatigue.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The frosting, less intensely sweet..

The New York Times

Upstairs, the dining room is less intensely Mackintosh.

The Guardian - Travel

(It was renewed for a while, less intensely, when the two moved to the Lake District).

The New York Times

The debate runs on today no less intensely than in the past.

The Guardian - Books

They did, however, compromise and agree that the tops become less intensely coloured.

The Guardian

A highly neurotic individual would respond less intensely to losing the promotion, Mr. Hirsh said.

The New York Times - Health

Less intensely radioactive than bomb-grade uranium, DU emits alpha particles, known to cause cancers.

The Guardian

They were skewered again, albeit less intensely, when they exuberantly celebrated after eliminating the Boston Celtics in the second round.

The New York Times - Sports

My high school G.P.A. would have been higher if I had been less intensely focused on books and music.

The New York Times

"A person, an object, a circle are all figures; they act upon us more or less intensely".

The New Yorker

After just two weeks on an S.S.R.I., both said that while sex was less intensely pleasurable, no emotional crash followed.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less intensely", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being compared. For instance, "The pain was less intensely felt after the medication" provides a clear comparison point.

Common error

Avoid using "less intensely" without a clear reference point. Saying "He felt it less intensely" is vague; specify what it's less intense than (e.g., "than he expected", "than before").

Linguistic Context

The adverbial phrase "less intensely" modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate a reduced degree of intensity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a common and correct usage. Examples from Ludwig show it modifying verbs describing actions like "stained", "reacted", or "celebrated", showing decreased strength or force.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less intensely" is a grammatically sound and versatile adverbial phrase used to denote a reduction in the degree or strength of an action, feeling, or quality. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is correct and commonly found across diverse contexts, particularly in scientific and news-related writing. While the phrase is considered neutral in register, it is important to provide clear comparisons to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "with reduced intensity" or "not as strongly" can also be used depending on the specific context. With over 50 real-world examples, Ludwig's analysis showcases the phrase's prevalent use and acceptability in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with reduced intensity

Replaces "less intensely" with a prepositional phrase that emphasizes the diminished degree of intensity.

to a lesser degree

Indicates a decrease in the extent or level of something, offering a more general expression of reduced intensity.

not as strongly

Emphasizes the reduced strength or force, shifting the focus from intensity to the power of the action or feeling.

with less force

Similar to "not as strongly", it focuses on the reduction of power or impact associated with the action.

in a milder form

Implies a gentler or more moderate manifestation, highlighting the reduction in severity.

not so acutely

Suggests a decrease in the sharpness or severity of something, particularly in terms of pain or distress.

with diminished vigor

Highlights a reduction in liveliness or enthusiasm, indicating a less energetic execution.

in a subdued manner

Emphasizes the restrained or quiet way something is done, focusing on the moderation of expression.

less severely

Indicates a reduction in the harshness or seriousness of an action or outcome.

to a smaller extent

Similar to "to a lesser degree", it quantifies the reduction in scope or range of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "less intensely" to describe actions or feelings that are reduced in strength or degree. For example, "The sun shone "less intensely" this year", or "He reacted "less intensely" to the news than I anticipated."

What are some alternatives to saying "less intensely"?

Alternatives include "with reduced intensity", "not as strongly", or "to a lesser degree". The best choice depends on the specific context, but options like "with reduced intensity" or "not as strongly" can often be used in its place.

Which is correct: "less intensely" or "with less intensity"?

Both "less intensely" and "with less intensity" are grammatically correct. "Less intensely" is more concise, while "with less intensity" provides a slightly more formal tone. Use the phrasing that fits best within your surrounding writing style.

What's the difference between "less intensely" and "less severely"?

"Less intensely" generally refers to a reduction in the strength or degree of something, like a feeling or action. "Less severely", on the other hand, implies a reduction in the harshness or seriousness of something. For example, one might feel pain "less intensely", while the consequences of an action might be "less severely" felt.