less naughty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less naughty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is not as mischievous or disobedient as another. Example: "After a few weeks of training, the puppy became less naughty and started following commands better."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Sort of like swearing off bedtime Ben & Jerry's: there's valor and the promise of self-improvement in the sacrifice, but also the sad awareness that the world just got a little less naughty.

The New York Times

I'm going to give you "the sus" sounds less naughty than admitting to gossip.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Prince Harry Big brother may be taken, but Hazza, with his freckles and insouciant charm, has long been the preferred royal among those who like their princes a little naughty, less bound by birthright and with their hair intact.

Independent

Léa even goes so far as to call the affair an adoption, a description that seems rather less metaphoric whenever her "naughty child" rests his cheek on her breasts.

The New York Times

Hunting for naughty bits, some less convincing, is an off-course sport for Janeites.

The Guardian - Books

Smith then played us a recording of a real queen ant (a quick, scratchy, burpy sound) and then a naughty impostor caterpillar (less scratchy, more burpy).

The Guardian

The C.D.C. helped coordinate a local trial project, and there was an enthusiastic response from the mothers who saw that their children became active, got sick less, and generally acted like naughty, healthy children, said Timmer.

The New York Times

The more relevant point here is that the Big Data mills at the NSA that may or may not be crunching your calls don't care if you're negotiating the sale of Ford to General Motors, much less if you've been naughty or nice - unless you're a world leader or someone perceived as a threat to America.

Huffington Post

You will find that simply by prioritizing your sex life and keeping it interesting, the gimmicks like "naughty" become much less important.

WikiHow

"He went for it," says Beckett with a laugh, sounding less like a record mogul and more like a naughty schoolboy.

The Guardian - Music

Though there is an occasional naughty spark, it is hard to imagine a less sexy show about prostitution, Mike Hale writes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a child's behavior, use "less naughty" to indicate a positive change without implying they were severely misbehaving to begin with.

Common error

Avoid using "less naughty" in formal or professional settings. Opt for alternatives like "more professional" or "more compliant" to maintain a suitable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less naughty" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. According to Ludwig, it's used to describe a reduction in mischievous or disobedient behavior. The phrase modifies an implied noun, indicating a state of being not as mischievous as before.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less naughty" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for describing a decrease in mischievous or disobedient behavior. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, it's important to consider the context. It's generally more appropriate for informal settings and when describing the behavior of children or animals. For more formal situations, alternatives like "more well-behaved" or "more compliant" may be more suitable. Remember to use this phrase judiciously to ensure your writing is both clear and contextually appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less mischievous

This phrase directly replaces "naughty" with a synonym, focusing on playful misbehavior rather than serious wrongdoing.

not as mischievous

Similar in meaning, but uses a slightly different structure to express the reduced level of mischievousness.

less disobedient

This alternative highlights a reduction in defiance or refusal to follow instructions, emphasizing compliance.

more well-behaved

This alternative suggests a shift towards better conduct, implying a higher standard of behavior than simply being "less naughty".

better behaved

A general term indicating improved conduct without specifying the type of misbehavior.

less unruly

Implies a reduction in disorderly or disruptive behavior, often in a group or public setting.

more disciplined

This implies a greater level of self-control and adherence to rules, suggesting a structured improvement in behavior.

more compliant

Suggests an increased willingness to obey or adhere to requests or rules, highlighting a shift in attitude.

more manageable

Focuses on the ease of handling or controlling someone's behavior, suggesting a practical improvement for caregivers.

more tame

Suggests a reduction in wildness or lack of control, implying a gentler or more subdued demeanor.

FAQs

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

You can use "less naughty" to describe a decrease in mischievous or disobedient behavior, such as, "After training, the puppy became "less naughty" and followed commands better."

What's a more formal way to say "less naughty"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "more compliant", "more well-behaved", or "more disciplined" depending on the specific situation.

Is "less naughty" appropriate for describing adult behavior?

While understandable, "less naughty" is generally more suitable for describing the behavior of children or pets. For adults, consider using terms like "more responsible" or "more discreet".

What's the difference between "less naughty" and "less mischievous"?

"Less naughty" and "less mischievous" are very similar, but "naughty" can sometimes imply a slightly more serious level of wrongdoing than "mischievous", which often refers to playful misbehavior.