less of an issue

USAGE SUMMARY

"less of an issue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a topic or problem that is not as serious or relevant as another topic or problem. For example, "The amount of noise from local construction work is an issue, but air pollution is less of an issue since there are very few factories in the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Radio has been less of an issue".

The New York Times

But valuation has become less of an issue.

The Economist

(Darwyn's race is even less of an issue).

The New Yorker

But safety is going to become less of an issue.

The New York Times - Magazine

The muted noise levels suddenly seem less of an issue.

The Guardian - Music

Control should be less of an issue today.

The New York Times

We expect that over time, the band will be less of an issue.

The New York Times

In the airport, though, space is less of an issue than cost.

The Economist

Jobs for Ossining residents seem to be less of an issue.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"That's less of an issue today because you're working off a tablet or something".

The New York Times

In general, pickpocketing is less of an issue, as there are so many easier targets available.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two issues, use "less of an issue" to highlight the comparative difference in importance. For instance, "Cost is an issue, but time is less of an issue for this project".

Common error

Avoid using "less of an issue" when the item is completely irrelevant, instead, indicate irrelevance directly. Using "less of an issue" implies some degree of relevance, even if reduced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less of an issue" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It qualifies a noun (issue) by indicating a reduced degree of importance or concern, as showcased by Ludwig in numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

22%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less of an issue" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something is not as important or problematic as it once was, or compared to something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. This phrase is frequently found in news and media sources, demonstrating its widespread use. When writing, ensure that you are indeed comparing the issue's relevance and not indicating complete irrelevance. Consider alternatives like "not as critical" or "a smaller concern" to add variety to your writing. By understanding its proper usage and context, you can effectively communicate the reduced significance of a particular topic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less of a problem

Directly replaces "issue" with "problem", maintaining a similar meaning.

not as critical

Emphasizes a reduced level of criticality or importance.

not as significant

Highlights a decrease in overall significance or impact.

not as pressing

Highlights that the urgency or need for attention has decreased.

a lower priority

Highlights a decreased ranking in terms of importance.

of diminished importance

Formally indicates a reduction in the level of importance.

a smaller concern

Focuses on the reduced level of worry or attention required.

not a major factor

Emphasizes it is not a key element in the situation.

a minor consideration

Focuses on the small degree of attention it requires.

of secondary importance

Indicates that other things are more important.

FAQs

How can I use "less of an issue" in a sentence?

You can use "less of an issue" to compare the importance of two different problems or challenges. For example, "While funding is a concern, staffing is "less of an issue" because we have many volunteers".

What is a good alternative to "less of an issue"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use alternatives like "not as critical", "not as significant", or "a smaller concern".

Is it grammatically correct to say "less of an issue"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. As Ludwig AI confirms, "less of an issue" is a common and acceptable way to express that something is not as important or problematic as something else.

What's the difference between "less of an issue" and "not an issue"?

"Less of an issue" implies that something is still a problem to some extent, but not as significant. "Not an issue" means something is completely irrelevant or resolved. For example, "The deadline was once a problem, but now it's "not an issue" at all" versus "The deadline is "less of an issue" now that we have more staff".