less noticeable

USAGE SUMMARY

"less noticeable" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to compare two things, emphasizing the one that is less obvious or more subtle. For example, "The new logo has a less noticeable change from the old one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Noise is less noticeable, too.

The Economist

"It's less noticeable in a boom period".

The New York Times

Less noticeable, perhaps, is the spate of new foreign shops.

The New York Times

Coming to the UK, it's much less noticeable.

Independent

"Any mis-hits were less noticeable with its high moment of inertia," he said.

The New York Times

The more people there are, the less noticeable your typing will be".

The New York Times

He has been less vocal on the field and less noticeable in games as well.

The New York Times - Sports

In a second preproduction model, the vibrations were much less noticeable, but still present.

The New York Times

For consumers, the tax would be less noticeable than directly charging for the music.

The New York Times

Moral scars, though less noticeable, have a way of cutting deep, also.

The Guardian - Opinion

(That is, she was cross-eyed. Nora, too, had strabismus, but hers was far less noticeable).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two scenarios, use "less noticeable" to highlight the subtle difference or reduced impact in one versus the other. For example, "The error was "less noticeable" after the correction."

Common error

While "less noticeable" is acceptable, overuse can make writing sound repetitive. In formal contexts, consider stronger synonyms like "subtler", "fainter", or "muted" to convey nuance more effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less noticeable" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating a reduced degree of visibility or perceptibility. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less noticeable" is a grammatically correct and very common comparative adjective phrase used to indicate that something is not as easily seen, heard, or detected. Ludwig confirms its validity and widespread use. While appropriate for various contexts, including news, science, and general writing, writers should consider stronger synonyms for formal settings or to avoid overuse. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, this phrase effectively highlights subtle differences and reduced impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less apparent

Emphasizes that something is not as easily seen or understood.

less conspicuous

Focuses on how something attracts less attention or is less prominent.

less visible

Highlights the reduced ability to be seen.

less detectable

Indicates a reduced ability to be found or sensed.

less pronounced

Suggests that something is not as strongly expressed or defined.

less distinct

Implies that something is not as clearly defined or differentiated.

less marked

Focuses on the reduced presence of a sign or indication.

less outstanding

Highlights the diminished quality of standing out.

less prominent

Emphasizes the reduced importance or salience of something.

less obtrusive

Focuses on how something interferes less or is less imposing.

FAQs

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

Use "less noticeable" to describe something that is not as easily seen, heard, or detected compared to something else. For example, "The change in the design was "less noticeable" than expected."

What's a good alternative to "less noticeable"?

Alternatives include "less obvious", "less apparent", or "more subtle". The best choice depends on the specific context and what aspect of being "less noticeable" you want to emphasize.

Is it correct to say "fewer noticeable" instead of "less noticeable"?

No, "fewer noticeable" is grammatically incorrect. "Less" is used with uncountable nouns and abstract qualities, while "fewer" is used with countable nouns. "Noticeable" describes a quality, so "less noticeable" is the correct choice.

What is the difference between "unnoticeable" and "less noticeable"?

"Less noticeable" means something is still perceptible but not as easily seen or detected. "Unnoticeable" means something is imperceptible or cannot be detected at all. The former implies a relative difference, while the latter implies complete absence.