less pervasive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less pervasive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not as widespread or common as something else. Example: "The new policy is less pervasive than the previous one, affecting only a small segment of the population."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

In New York, the violence seemed a bit more subtle, though no less pervasive.

The New Yorker

Still, the anti-Semitism of my time, though subtler, wasn't any less pervasive.

The New Yorker

It would be less pervasive if China's lending limits were less strict.

The Economist

The morality police have become somewhat less pervasive, but efforts to free political speech and the press have been crushed.

The New York Times

Its higher education system is better than its neighbor's, wages are higher, and poverty is less pervasive.

The New York Times

In modern novels, however, politics seems more ephemeral, less pervasive – almost as if you can opt in or out.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

In Japan, law plays a far-less-pervasive role in the resolution of disputes and in the creation and adjustment of rules regulating conduct.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is less a pervasive condition than a question of personal style, if not a philosophy.

The New York Times - Arts

Acoustic pollution presents "less visible but pervasive disturbance to these coastal-dwelling whales," the researchers wrote.

The New York Times

As for his predatory habits, they were perhaps, in an age when piracy was endemic and pervasive, less morally reprehensible than this book suggests.

The Economist

Those who say such a change has taken place can cite various reasons -- public unease over the political scandals of the late 1990's, for example, or the longer-term emergence of religious conservatives as a political force or a less tangible but pervasive interest in the personal over the political.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the prevalence of two phenomena, use "less pervasive" to emphasize that one has a more limited reach or influence compared to the other. For example, "Social media's influence is less pervasive in rural areas than in urban centers."

Common error

Avoid using "less pervasive" when you mean "less persuasive". "Pervasive" refers to the extent of something's spread or influence, while "persuasive" refers to its ability to convince. Choose the word that accurately reflects the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less pervasive" functions as an adjective phrase, typically used to modify a noun by indicating a lower degree of prevalence or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less pervasive" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed adjective phrase to describe something that is not as widespread or influential. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and academic writing. When aiming for variety, consider using alternatives such as "less common", "less widespread", or "less prevalent", while ensuring the chosen phrase aligns with the intended meaning and nuance. Ensure you're not confusing it for "less persuasive", which has a different meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less common

Focuses on frequency of occurrence rather than the extent of influence or spread.

less widespread

Emphasizes the geographical or distributional aspect of something not being as prevalent.

less prevalent

Highlights a lower degree of general acceptance or existence within a population or group.

less frequent

Indicates that something occurs or happens with a reduced regularity.

less extensive

Focuses on a reduced scale or scope of something.

less influential

Highlights a reduced impact or effect on something.

less dominant

Suggests a weaker position of control or power compared to something else.

less universal

Emphasizes that something is not as applicable or true in all cases.

less diffused

Suggests a reduced spread or dissemination of something.

less intensive

Emphasizes a reduced degree of strength or concentration.

FAQs

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

You can use "less pervasive" to describe something that is not as widespread or influential as something else. For instance, "The use of typewriters is "less pervasive" today than it was in the past".

What are some alternatives to "less pervasive"?

Some alternatives to "less pervasive" include "less common", "less widespread", and "less prevalent". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "not as pervasive" instead of "less pervasive"?

Yes, "not as pervasive" is a grammatically correct and semantically similar alternative to "less pervasive". Both phrases convey the idea that something has a limited reach or influence.

What is the difference between "less pervasive" and "less intense"?

"Less pervasive" refers to the extent or reach of something, while "less intense" refers to the degree of strength or force. For example, you might say that a trend is "less pervasive" (not as widespread), or that the pain is "less intense" (not as strong).