less painstaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less painstaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process or task that requires less effort, time, or attention to detail compared to another. Example: "The new software update makes data entry less painstaking, allowing employees to complete their work more efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

His characterisation is less painstaking but that is not a fatal flaw in popular yarns of this type.

The Guardian - Books

Barrett's work has been driven by the notion that good materials, worked by hand, transmit their power in ways that the products of less painstaking manufacture can't.

The New York Times - Magazine

Here are four ideas to make your efforts less painstaking and remind you that it is well worth the trouble.

Huffington Post

And after wading through their painstaking, peer-reviewed research paper, I realized I'd lost a lot of brain cells since I conducted the far less painstaking research that went into my master's thesis over 20 years ago.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In his Davos speech, Cameron will say the government is trying to secure nothing less than a transformation of the economy, adding it "requires painstaking work and it takes time".

The Guardian

Charlotte, too, was painstaking in her concern for their welfare and education, but less relaxed, as though being Queen blocked spontaneous affection.

The Guardian - Books

Especially acute are painstaking drawings of odd objects — a camera tripod, heaped erasers, samurai armor — which appeal less to vision than to touch, as if they were excavated by hand from pictorial space.

The New Yorker

"Diplomacy is painstaking work.

The Guardian

But progress is painstaking.

The Economist

The process was painstaking.

The New York Times

The process entailed painstaking relationships.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less painstaking" when you want to emphasize that a task or process requires less detailed attention or effort than it previously did or compared to an alternative approach.

Common error

While "less painstaking" is appropriate in many contexts, avoid consistently replacing simpler words like "easier" or "simpler" with it. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less painstaking" functions as a modifier, specifically as an adjective phrase, describing a noun by indicating a reduction in the amount of effort or meticulousness required. According to Ludwig, it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Arts

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less painstaking" is a grammatically sound adjective phrase that indicates a reduction in the level of effort or meticulousness required for a task or process. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While relatively rare, it is primarily found in news and media contexts, as well as in discussions related to the arts and sciences. Semantically, alternatives such as "easier" or "simpler" can often be used interchangeably, depending on the desired nuance. When using "less painstaking", ensure it appropriately conveys a decrease in detailed effort and avoid overusing it in place of simpler alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

easier

This is a simple synonym indicating reduced difficulty.

simpler

Focuses on reduced complexity, making something more straightforward.

less complicated

Directly addresses a reduction in complexity.

less demanding

Emphasizes the reduced effort required.

more straightforward

Indicates a clearer and simpler process.

less arduous

Highlights a reduction in the strenuousness of a task.

less onerous

Similar to 'less arduous', focusing on reduced burden or difficulty.

more effortless

Implies that something requires very little effort.

less intricate

Focuses on the reduction of fine details or complexities.

more manageable

Suggests a task or process that is easier to control or handle.

FAQs

What does "less painstaking" mean?

The term "less painstaking" describes something that requires less effort, detail, or careful attention than something else. It suggests a reduction in the level of meticulousness required.

How can I use "less painstaking" in a sentence?

You might say, "The new software update makes data entry "easier" and "less painstaking", saving employees time and effort."

What are some alternatives to "less painstaking"?

Some alternatives include "easier", "simpler", "less complicated", or "more straightforward", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "less painstaking" or "easier"?

The choice depends on the context. "Easier" is more general, while "less painstaking" specifically implies a reduction in the need for careful or detailed effort. If you want to emphasize the reduction in detail-oriented work, "less painstaking" is more appropriate.