less of a reader

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less of a reader" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who reads infrequently or is not very engaged with reading. Example: "Since the rise of digital media, I feel like I'm becoming less of a reader than I used to be."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Less of a reader, less literate".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Such changes ought to move gradually, if possible, he said, to be less of a shock to readers.

The New York Times

For something that asks a little less of the reader while still giving plenty in return, try a dose of Anne Tyler, the beloved creator of numerous protagonists whose plights will strike a chord with anyone who finds themselves at a midlife impasse.

BBC

None of this makes Mallon less of a dullard; but the reader is advised to hang on until Perry reveals Catherine's history with the Safe-Force School of Self-Defense, a boot camp for "spoiled, childish people" run bootntrepreneurial mercampries who also oforr pospoiledate training childishfor would-be assassins.

The New York Times - Books

This is less of a problem for Gulliver readers who live in Europe.

The Economist

Of course, it's less of a shocker to our readers, who probably all go to sleep every night watching The Wizard.

TechCrunch

Covering a shorter period and with fewer characters, it demands less of the reader than the earlier instalment, in which significant historical figures walked on with little introduction.

The Economist

Less visible to a reader is the architecture of this programme.

British Medical Journal

This should be less of a problem in online advertising, since readers' tastes and habits can be tracked, and ads tailored accordingly.

The Economist

Some readers may think less of a novel because it has a more tenuous relationship to reality than they would like.

The Guardian - Opinion

Renzi isn't much of a reader.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "less of a reader", provide context. Explain what they are more interested in, or why their reading habits have changed. This adds depth and clarity to your statement.

Common error

Avoid implying that being "less of a reader" equates to lower intelligence or lack of knowledge. Reading is just one way to acquire information and develop skills; people excel in different areas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less of a reader" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used to characterize an individual's relationship with reading. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It describes a diminished or reduced engagement with reading.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less of a reader" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe someone who does not read frequently or enthusiastically. According to Ludwig AI, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. While it's important not to equate this with a lack of intelligence, as reading is only one form of learning, it effectively conveys a diminished engagement with books and other written material. Alternative phrases include "not much of a reader" or "a reluctant reader". When using this phrase, providing context about the individual's interests or reasons for their changed reading habits adds depth and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not much of a reader

Emphasizes the lack of interest in reading.

not a big reader

A more informal way of saying someone doesn't read much.

a reluctant reader

Highlights the hesitance or unwillingness to read.

infrequent reader

Focuses on the low frequency of reading activity.

occasional reader

Suggests reading happens only sometimes.

light reader

Implies a preference for shorter, easier reading material.

non-avid reader

Indicates a lack of enthusiasm for reading.

reads sparingly

Focuses on the act of reading being done in small amounts.

casual reader

Suggests a relaxed and uncommitted approach to reading.

selective reader

Highlights a preference for specific types of reading material.

FAQs

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

You can use "less of a reader" to describe someone whose reading habits have decreased or who does not enjoy reading as much as before. For example: "Since starting her new job, she has become "less of a reader" because she has less free time."

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

A more formal alternative could be "not an avid reader" or "reads infrequently". For instance: "He is "not an avid reader" of fiction, preferring non-fiction instead."

What can I say instead of "less of a reader" to avoid negative connotations?

To avoid negative connotations, consider using phrases like "prefers other forms of entertainment" or "focuses on different learning methods". For example: "While she's "less of a reader", she "prefers other forms of entertainment", such as movies and podcasts."

Is it correct to say "less a reader" instead of "less of a reader"?

While "less a reader" might be understood, it is not as grammatically standard or commonly used as "less of a reader". Sticking with "less of a reader" ensures clarity and correctness.