less potent than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less potent than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the effectiveness or strength of two substances, ideas, or arguments. Example: "The new medication is less potent than the previous version, leading to fewer side effects."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bevacizumab was over 10-fold less potent than these molecules.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications

Although less potent than prescription drugs, a cup of chamomile tea may soothe your nerves.

Harvard University

IGF-II was fivefold less potent than IGF-I in displacing IGF-I binding.

Stanford University

(Although less potent than purified cocaine, the leaves are still a stimulant).

The Guardian

There is even a school of thought holding that vodka is less potent than gin.

The New York Times

It was sharp on the tongue and, fortunately, less potent than it tasted.

The New York Times - Travel

And the ethnic factor was much less potent than in many elections elsewhere.

The Economist

All the metabolites found were active but less potent than AEPU at inhibiting human sEH.

Biochemical Pharmacology

Their 3-acetate (13c and 7c) were less potent than their 3-OH counterparts.

Steroids

The constrained analogs were all much less potent than their acyclic parent structure.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters

It is an icon -- no less potent than the three-point star on the hood of a Mercedes-Benz.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the effectiveness of two substances or strategies, be specific about the context in which "less potent than" applies. Provide measurable details to support the comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "less potent than" in situations where the desired outcome is different, not just a matter of strength. If a treatment has fewer side effects but is "less potent than" another, clarify that the overall benefit might still be greater due to the reduced side effects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less potent than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to describe something by comparing its potency to something else, indicating that it has a lower degree of strength or effectiveness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

56%

News & Media

29%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less potent than" is a comparative term used to describe a reduced level of effectiveness or strength relative to something else. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used. It finds application across various domains, including science, news, and academia, but predominantly in scientific contexts. When writing, ensure the context of potency is clear and consider more straightforward alternatives like "weaker than" in informal settings. Remember to be specific about the basis for comparison. The phrase appears commonly enough to be considered a staple in comparative language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as effective as

This alternative directly replaces "potent" with "effective" maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

weaker than

This alternative uses a simpler word, "weaker", to convey the reduced strength or power, making it slightly less formal.

not as powerful as

This alternative substitutes "potent" with "powerful", highlighting the strength aspect of the comparison.

less efficacious than

This alternative uses "efficacious", which is a more formal synonym for "effective", suitable for technical or scientific contexts.

not as strong as

This option replaces "potent" with "strong", focusing on the intensity of the effect, and is generally more informal.

inferior to

This alternative indicates a lower quality or effectiveness, suggesting a more general deficiency rather than just a difference in strength.

not as influential as

This option focuses on the impact or influence, which is a specific type of potency, and is appropriate when discussing effects on opinions or actions.

less impactful than

Similar to "not as influential as", this phrase emphasizes the magnitude of the effect, but is slightly more informal.

not as capable as

This alternative highlights the ability or capacity to produce a result, shifting the focus from strength to capability.

falls short of

This phrase is idiomatic and suggests a failure to reach a certain standard or level of effectiveness, which is a more indirect way of expressing reduced potency.

FAQs

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

You can use "less potent than" to compare the effectiveness or strength of two things. For instance, "This drug is "less potent than" its predecessor, but it also has fewer side effects."

What are some alternatives to saying "less potent than"?

Alternatives include phrases like "not as effective as", "weaker than", or "not as strong as", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "not as potent as" is a grammatically correct and semantically equivalent alternative to "less potent than". Both phrases are used to express that one thing has a lower level of effectiveness or strength compared to another.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "less potent than"?

The phrase "less potent than" is appropriate in scientific, medical, and technical contexts when comparing the strength or effectiveness of drugs, chemicals, or other agents. It can also be used more broadly to compare the impact of ideas or forces, though more straightforward alternatives like "not as effective as" may be more suitable for general use.