less is known

USAGE SUMMARY

"less is known" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when describing the relative lack of knowledge about something. For example, "Less is known about the process of natural selection than about the process of artificial selection."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Less is known about Ella.

The New York Times - Health

Even less is known of Scytho-Sarmatian.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Less is known about the others.

The New York Times

Less is known about Taha.

The Washington Post

Less is known about Speke.

The New York Times

Less is known about NOLDs.

Journal of Biotechnology

Far less is known about wild plants.

Yale University

Much less is known about Mr. Sheikh.

The New York Times

Much less is known about Mr. Ivanov.

The New York Times

Less is known about adult sufferers.

The New York Times

Even less is known about Iran's program.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less is known", consider specifying what exactly is lacking in knowledge to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Be careful not to use "less is known" as a blanket statement without indicating specific areas where knowledge is lacking. Providing context makes the statement more informative and credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less is known" functions as an impersonal construction used to express a limited state of knowledge regarding a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

29%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less is known" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to indicate a limited understanding of a particular subject, often in contrast to areas where more information is available. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans across diverse contexts, notably science, news, and academia. To enhance clarity, specify the areas where knowledge is lacking rather than making general statements. Alternatives include phrases like "little is understood" or "much remains unknown", offering nuanced ways to express knowledge gaps. By adhering to these guidelines, writers can effectively and accurately convey the state of understanding in their respective fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

much remains unknown

Similar in meaning and structure, but emphasizes the vastness of what is not known.

little is understood

Similar in meaning, but uses "understood" instead of "known".

understanding is incomplete

Emphasizes the partial nature of comprehension instead of the quantity of knowledge.

information is limited

This alternative focuses on the scarcity of data rather than the degree of knowledge.

research is limited

Specifically addresses the lack of research in a particular area.

data is scarce

Highlights the lack of available data as the primary issue.

evidence is limited

Highlights the scarcity of supporting evidence.

details are lacking

Focuses on the absence of specific details rather than overall knowledge.

the full picture is unclear

Indicates a lack of clarity and completeness in the available information.

the specifics are vague

Emphasizes the imprecision and lack of clarity in the specifics.

FAQs

How can I use "less is known" in a sentence?

You can use "less is known" to indicate a gap in knowledge about a specific topic. For example, "While the effects of this drug are well-documented in adults, "less is known" about its effects on children".

What is a good alternative to "less is known"?

Alternatives to "less is known" include phrases like "little is understood", "much remains unknown", or "information is limited", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less is known"?

Yes, "less is known" is grammatically correct and widely used in academic, scientific, and general writing to indicate a lack of information or understanding.

What's the difference between "little is known" and "less is known"?

While both phrases are similar, "less is known" often implies a comparison to something else that is better understood. "Little is known" simply states that there is a lack of knowledge without necessarily making a comparison.