less lovely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less lovely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the loveliness of two or more things, indicating that one is not as lovely as the other. Example: "While the first painting was vibrant and full of life, the second one was less lovely in comparison."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Turn around, and the view is far less lovely.

The New York Times

The less lovely things are the other surroundings.

Independent

It is one of the world's less lovely lotteries.

The Guardian - Opinion

But now I want to ask about something less lovely: drugs.

The New Yorker

The filmmakers, Walter Salles and Daniela Thomas, capture some of Rio's less lovely realities as well.

The New York Times

They're a woefully inaccurate reflection of the tree: they're far less lovely and interesting.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Lessons in Loveliness has a fine line in putting girls down: "You've probably heard that everyone has at least one lovely feature which can be played up to minimize the less lovelies.

Huffington Post

Minutes after that, the bat descended once more – this time on Glenn, one-time pizza delivery guy, later adorable husband of no-less lovely Maggie and now dead, leaving his unborn child fatherless and Maggie bereft.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Best of the lot is still the Anchor & Hope, a less than lovely urban pub in Waterloo, made lovely by the food served up by St John graduate Jonathan Jones.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Not that the talk is less than lovely.

The Guardian - Film

The feet are less than lovely - mottled, calloused, the toenails out of shape, everything well-worn.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less lovely" when making a direct comparison between two or more things, implying one is inferior in terms of aesthetic appeal or charm. For instance, "The second act was less lovely than the first."

Common error

Avoid using "less lovely" to describe something in isolation without a point of comparison. Instead of saying "The room was less lovely", provide context, such as "The room was less lovely than she remembered."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less lovely" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to describe something that has a reduced degree of loveliness compared to something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Formal & Business

4%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less lovely" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to express that something is not as attractive or pleasant as something else. As Ludwig AI confirmed, the phrase is accurate. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, carrying a neutral tone. When using this phrase, ensure you're making a comparison to maintain clarity and avoid misusing it in absolute statements. Consider alternatives such as "not as attractive" or "somewhat unattractive" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as attractive

Expresses a direct comparison of attractiveness, indicating a lower level of appeal.

not so beautiful

Uses "beautiful" as the primary adjective, suggesting a reduction in aesthetic quality.

somewhat unattractive

Introduces a degree of unattractiveness, implying a mild negativity.

slightly unappealing

Focuses on the lack of appeal, suggesting a minor deficiency in attractiveness.

not quite as charming

Highlights the charm aspect, indicating a reduced level of pleasantness or allure.

not particularly pretty

Emphasizes the absence of prettiness, suggesting a noticeable lack of visual appeal.

a bit uglier

Directly contrasts with beauty, implying a comparative increase in ugliness.

of diminished beauty

Formally describes the state of reduced beauty.

less aesthetically pleasing

Uses technical language to denote a decrease in aesthetic quality.

lacking in allure

Emphasizes the absence of allure, indicating a deficiency in captivating qualities.

FAQs

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

You can use "less lovely" to compare two things, indicating one is not as attractive or pleasant as the other. For example, "The garden in winter is "less lovely" than in the spring."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "less lovely"?

Similar phrases include "not as attractive", "somewhat unattractive", or "slightly unappealing", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "less lovely" in formal writing?

Yes, "less lovely" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a grammatically correct phrase widely used in journalism and literature. However, consider more sophisticated synonyms depending on the context.

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

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "less lovely" is more concise and can sound more sophisticated. "Not as lovely" is a more direct and straightforward comparison, while "less lovely" is a bit more nuanced.