less obvious than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less obvious than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the clarity or visibility of two different ideas, concepts, or situations, indicating that one is not as clear as the other. Example: "The solution to the problem is less obvious than it first appears, requiring deeper analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hopefully it's less obvious than that.

The Guardian - Music

All this is a lot less obvious than it sounds.

The New York Times - Arts

The answer is less obvious than you might think.

The New Yorker

The answer is less obvious than one might believe.

The New York Times

The answer is less obvious than may appear.

The New York Times

The politics, too, are less obvious than one might think.

The Economist

But where the novel does want to be is even less obvious than usual.

The New Yorker

He would pick fights with villains less obvious than Rupert Murdoch, the banks and utility companies.

The Guardian

The function of the town is less obvious than it was.

The Guardian - Opinion

What's interesting is that the generational divide is far less obvious than in the 1960s.

The New York Times

Maybe more splintered and less obvious than before, maybe more infiltrated.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less obvious than", ensure you clearly establish what the comparison is being made to. Provide context to enhance clarity for the reader.

Common error

Ensure you're not using "less obvious than" without a clear point of reference. Vague comparisons weaken your statement and confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less obvious than" functions as a comparative conjunction, linking two elements to indicate that one is not as easily perceived or understood as the other. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

29%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less obvious than" is a versatile comparative conjunction, used to subtly indicate a difference in clarity or visibility between two elements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various fields. Usage is frequent in "news & media", "science", and "academia", demonstrating its applicability in diverse contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the comparison is clear and contributes meaningfully to the text. Alternatives such as "not as evident as" or "more subtle than" can add nuance, but the key is to maintain clarity and context for the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as evident as

Focuses on the lack of direct evidence compared to something else.

more subtle than

Highlights the understated or delicate nature of something in contrast.

not as apparent as

Emphasizes that something is not immediately noticeable.

less straightforward than

Indicates a more complex or indirect approach compared to something more direct.

more nuanced than

Stresses the delicate distinctions and complexities compared to something simpler.

not as clear-cut as

Suggests ambiguity and lack of a definitive answer compared to something well-defined.

more indistinct than

Focuses on the blurred or vague nature of something compared to something sharper.

less conspicuous than

Highlights that something attracts less attention or is less noticeable.

not as blatant as

Emphasizes the absence of an overt or obvious display.

more veiled than

Indicates that something is hidden or disguised to a greater extent.

FAQs

How can I use "less obvious than" in a sentence?

Use "less obvious than" to compare two things, indicating that one is harder to notice or understand than the other. For example: "The underlying cause was "less obvious than" the immediate symptoms."

What are some alternatives to "less obvious than"?

Alternatives include phrases like "not as evident as", "more subtle than", or "not as apparent as", which can provide a slightly different nuance while maintaining a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less obvious than"?

Yes, "less obvious than" is grammatically correct. It's a standard comparative phrase used to indicate that something is not as easily perceived or understood compared to something else.

What's the difference between ""less obvious than"" and "more subtle than"?

"Less obvious than" implies that something is harder to notice, while "more subtle than" suggests that something is delicate or understated. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.