less onerous than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less onerous than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the burdensome nature of two different tasks or situations, indicating that one is lighter or easier than the other. Example: "The new policy is less onerous than the previous one, making compliance easier for everyone involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The rules were less onerous than expected.

The New York Times

These should be considerably less onerous than building new fossil fuel electricity generation infrastructure.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

Moreover, it says, the latest expansion will be less onerous than states assert.

The New York Times

America's choking regulations are a problem, but less onerous than those in earlier, more optimistic moments.

The Economist

The affordability requirements for second mortgages can be less onerous than for standard home loans.

The Guardian - Money

For starters, the obligations on small companies are less onerous than for large ones.

The Guardian

It was a task much less onerous than I expected it to be.

The Guardian - Books

Lily finds the snow and cold of the Hudson Valley less onerous than the infrequent bus service.

The New Yorker

Another is that cars are sidelined, thanks to a layout that makes walking and biking far less onerous than driving.

The New York Times - Arts

The board could then reach a new agreement that is less onerous than the one Bristol-Myers is seeking.

The New York Times

His colleague Daniel Leader clarifies that disclosure rules on the continent tend to be "much less onerous than in Britain".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less onerous than", ensure that the comparison is clear and the items being compared are explicitly stated. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "less onerous than" without specifying what is being compared to what. For example, instead of saying "The task is less onerous", specify "The task is "less onerous than" expected".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less onerous than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by comparing its level of burden or difficulty relative to something else. It indicates that one thing is not as burdensome as another. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less onerous than" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to compare the burdensome nature of two or more things. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is very common in written English, particularly in news, scientific, and business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the comparison is clear and specific to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives such as "not as burdensome as" or "easier to manage than" for stylistic variation. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use the phrase "less onerous than" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as burdensome as

Uses a more direct construction to compare burdensomeness.

easier to manage than

Focuses on the manageability aspect of the comparison.

less challenging than

Emphasizes the level of difficulty involved.

not as taxing as

Highlights the strain or effort required.

more straightforward than

Indicates a simpler and more direct approach.

lighter than

Uses a simpler term to describe the reduced burden.

less demanding than

Focuses on the requirements or expectations involved.

simpler than

Highlights the simplicity of one option over another.

more convenient than

Emphasizes the ease and convenience of one option.

less complicated than

Highlights the complexity aspect of the comparison.

FAQs

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

You can use "less onerous than" to compare two tasks, rules, or situations, indicating that one is less burdensome or difficult than the other. For example, "The new regulations are "less onerous than" the previous ones".

What is a good alternative to "less onerous than"?

Alternatives include "not as burdensome as", "easier to manage than", or "less challenging than", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "less onerous than" in formal writing?

Yes, "less onerous than" is suitable for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to express that something is not as burdensome as something else. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and common in different contexts.

What's the difference between "less onerous than" and "easier than"?

While both phrases indicate that one thing is preferable to another, "less onerous than" specifically refers to a reduction in the burden or difficulty, while "easier than" is a more general term that can apply to various aspects of simplicity and convenience.