less known

USAGE SUMMARY

"less known" is a perfectly acceptable phrasing in written English.
You can use it when you want to distinguish something that is not as widely recognized or popular compared to something else. For example, "The museum was less known than the city's other tourist attractions, but it still provided an interesting experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Two books: one little known and the other less known.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Isaac was less known to neighbors.

The New York Times

Longer-term effects are less known, however.

The New York Times

Nationwide Asset is less known than Credit Solutions.

The New York Times

Shouldn't they be left for less known films?

The Guardian

What Adelson thinks of these exact views is less known.

The Guardian

What artists do you like who might be less known?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Discover less-known European destinations.

The New York Times

It may well be bigger, if less-known, than those.

The Guardian - Opinion

Less-known competitors he dismisses out of hand.

The New York Times - Style

Smaller, less-known hedge funds have been caught out, too.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less known" to introduce information that might be surprising or not immediately obvious to your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "less known" when a simpler comparison like "smaller" or "newer" would be more direct and clear. Choose the phrasing that provides the most relevant detail.

Linguistic Context

Less known functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, often modifying a noun to indicate that the noun is not widely recognized or understood. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

23%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less known" is a versatile adjective phrase used to highlight information that is not widely recognized or appreciated. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and its prevalence across numerous sources, including news, science, and wiki domains. When employing "less known", aim for clarity and contextual relevance, ensuring that the phrase accurately conveys the intended nuance of obscurity or unfamiliarity. While generally neutral in register, it should be used judiciously, favoring simpler comparisons where appropriate, as mentioned in the writing guidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relatively unknown

Emphasizes that something is not widely recognized compared to other things in its category.

not widely recognized

Highlights a lack of broad acknowledgement or awareness.

less familiar

Focuses on the lack of personal experience or knowledge about something.

relatively obscure

Indicates that something is hidden or not easily discovered.

not commonly known

Stresses that something is not part of general knowledge.

not well-publicized

Focuses on the lack of promotion or advertising.

under the radar

Suggests something is unnoticed or avoided intentionally.

unfamiliar to many

Highlights that a large number of people are not acquainted with something.

not in the mainstream

Implies that something is outside of popular trends or common culture.

esoteric knowledge

This refers to knowledge that is specialized and difficult to understand, usually intended for a small number of people.

FAQs

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

You can use "less known" to describe something that is not widely recognized or familiar. For example, "A "less known fact" is that honey never spoils."

What are some alternatives to "less known"?

Some alternatives include "relatively unknown", "not widely recognized", or "less familiar". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "less known" or should I use another phrasing?

"Less known" is a perfectly acceptable and commonly used phrase. Its appropriateness depends on the context, but it is grammatically sound.

What's the difference between "less known" and "unknown"?

"Unknown" implies a complete lack of awareness, while "less known" suggests some awareness exists but it is not widespread. Something that is "less known" has some level of recognition, while something "unknown" does not.