less loudly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less loudly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a manner of speaking or producing sound that is quieter than another reference point. Example: "Please speak less loudly during the presentation to avoid distracting others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

They talk a little less loudly.

The New York Times

The market will rumble on, a bit less loudly.

The New Yorker

[Laughs loudly.] REMNICK: [Laughs less loudly.] Thank you.

The New Yorker

And second, you can program the ringer to ring more or less loudly after hours.

The New York Times - Tech

"Where is your mom?" Granny Lin asks, holding her breath and trying to make her heart beat less loudly.

The New Yorker

He contends that black culture can and must change while conceding, less loudly, that "thoroughly racist" whites are likely to remain stubbornly the same.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

It may be hard to take someone's radicalism seriously as she sits in front of a plate of room service in a luxury hotel suite; no less so when she loudly insists that "I'm a radical".

The New York Times - Magazine

"I think fans have spoken loudly: they want less preseason and more regular season," Goodell said.

The New York Times

It's less about "living my values loudly" and more about "road-testing my logic".

The Guardian

The governor's staff argues loudly that there were less lofty motives, namely paychecks and the August vacations.

The New York Times

Back in September 2011, less than 6 months ago, Jesta Digital loudly committed $15 million to establish Jesta Labs, a New York-based mobile services startup incubator.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When modifying actions that are not sound-related, consider alternative phrases like "with less intensity" or "more subtly" for greater clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "less loudly" when describing a complete absence of sound. It's meant for relative reductions, not silences. For example, instead of saying "The music played less loudly after the power outage" (when it completely stopped), consider "The music stopped after the power outage."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less loudly" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the manner in which an action is performed. It describes a reduction in the intensity or volume of a sound or action, as confirmed by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less loudly" functions as an adverbial modifier, denoting a decrease in the volume or intensity of an action or sound. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and commonly used, particularly in News & Media contexts. Related phrases like "more quietly" or "in a softer voice" can serve as alternatives, depending on the nuance you wish to convey. A key best practice is to use "less loudly" to describe a reduction in volume, not a complete absence of sound.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more quietly

Emphasizes a reduction in sound volume, focusing on the quality of quietness.

in a softer voice

Specifically refers to a quieter manner of speaking.

with diminished volume

Focuses specifically on the reduction of sound level.

with less intensity

Broader, referring to a reduction in the strength or force of something, not just sound.

more subdued

Suggests a calmer, more restrained manner, encompassing both sound and behavior.

in a more muted tone

Similar to 'softer voice' but can also apply to non-vocal sounds.

in a hushed manner

Implies secrecy or discretion in addition to reduced volume.

with less emphasis

Indicates a reduced level of importance or stress placed on something.

more faintly

Describes a sound that is barely audible or a light that is dim.

more gently

Suggests a softer, kinder approach, applicable to actions and words.

FAQs

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

You can use "less loudly" to indicate a decrease in the volume of a sound, such as "Please speak "less loudly" in the library" or "The engine started running "less loudly" after the repair".

What is a good alternative for "less loudly"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "more quietly", "in a softer voice", or "with diminished volume" to express a similar meaning to "less loudly".

When is it appropriate to use "less loudly" rather than "more quietly"?

"Less loudly" is best used when comparing the current volume to a previous, louder state. "More quietly" simply describes a state of being quiet. For instance, "He spoke "less loudly" than before" compares his current speech to his past speech, whereas "He spoke "more quietly"" simply describes his current manner of speaking.

Is "less loudly" grammatically correct?

Yes, "less loudly" is grammatically correct. It is an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb, indicating that an action is performed with a reduced level of loudness. Ludwig AI confirms that it is usable in written English.