less of a barrier

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less of a barrier" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is not as obstructive or limiting as something else. Example: "The new policy creates less of a barrier for employees to access mental health resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

"There's less of a barrier between the fans and the players.

The New York Times

Advancing age clearly poses less of a barrier to pop success than in previous eras, as the recent chart placings of Bob Dylan and the Beatles can confirm.

Independent

Also, there is "less of a barrier" when it comes to taking pictures with an iPhone, as opposed to a large camera with a long lens.

The New York Times

He argued that with rising taxes, a premium pricing strategy becomes less of a barrier, and I do agree with that.

The New York Times

But they may be less of a barrier to overall growth, because firms respond to higher labour costs by boosting productivity.

The Economist

Where the rocks are softer and less resistant, the escarpment is not so pronounced and so forms less of a barrier to climatic influences and to human movement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

In addition, a Microcystis colony consists of cells imbedded in a watery colonial matrix that may be less of a diffusion barrier than cell walls and cytoplasm [8].

Plosone

Cost or availability of vaccine is less important as a barrier to vaccination in the U.S. for two reasons: 1) key national social insurance programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, cover both the costs of the vaccines and administration by recognized providers https://www.cms.gov/Immunizations/; and 2) the Affordable Care Act mandates coverage of vaccines by private insurers.

BMC Family Practice

Farm-trade reform is at the centre of the Doha round, but Mr Panagariya's results suggest it is not at the centre of development.Even if the poor world signs up fully to the WTO's existing disciplines, that might not satisfy some in the rich worldEven for a country like Brazil, agricultural trade barriers pose less of an obstacle to progress than barriers to trade in manufactured goods.

The Economist

To reiterate, as I've always stressed in this discussion, small firms face barriers large firms don't -- access to debt and equity markets, limited cash reserves, export barriers, and less of a cushion in hard times.

Huffington Post

When the patients were asked about primary care accessibility, they indicated that physical and economic barriers were less of a problem than office hours.

BMC Family Practice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less of a barrier", consider the specific context. Is it about physical obstacles, financial constraints, or social limitations? Tailoring your language makes your writing clearer and more impactful.

Common error

Avoid overstating the impact of a reduced barrier. While something might be "less of a barrier", it may not be entirely eliminated. Accurately portray the degree of improvement to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less of a barrier" functions as a qualifier, indicating that something presents a reduced impediment or obstacle. It modifies a noun or concept, suggesting a decrease in difficulty or obstruction. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less of a barrier" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a reduced obstacle or impediment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile and appropriate across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. To enhance clarity and impact, consider the specific context of the barrier – is it physical, financial, or social? Alternatives like "reduced obstacle" or "more accessible" can offer nuanced variations. Avoid overstating the impact of the reduced barrier, and be mindful of potential unintended consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced obstacle

Focuses on the reduction of an obstacle, slightly more concise.

less restrictive

More concise, directly describing something as not as limiting.

lower hurdle

Uses a different metaphor, implying a lower jump is required to overcome the challenge.

decreased limitation

Directly states a reduction in something that limits or restricts.

diminished impediment

Uses more formal vocabulary, emphasizing a decrease in something that hinders progress.

more accessible

Focuses on the enhanced accessibility resulting from the lessened barrier.

mitigated restriction

Highlights the lessening of a formal constraint or limitation.

facilitated access

Emphasizes improved accessibility as a result of the lessened barrier.

alleviated difficulty

Focuses on the easing of a problem or challenge.

easier path

Shifts the focus from the barrier itself to the ease of progression.

FAQs

How can I use "less of a barrier" in a sentence?

You can use "less of a barrier" to describe something that is not as obstructive or limiting as it once was. For example: "The new policy creates "less of a barrier" for employees to access mental health resources".

What are some alternatives to "less of a barrier"?

You can use alternatives like "reduced obstacle", "easier path", or "more accessible" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "less of a barrier" and "fewer barriers"?

"Less of a barrier" typically refers to a single, overarching obstacle that has been diminished, while "fewer barriers" implies a reduction in the number of individual obstacles.

Is it always positive when something is "less of a barrier"?

Generally, yes. However, context is important. Sometimes, reducing certain "barriers" might have unintended negative consequences. Always consider the full impact.