less powerfully

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less powerfully" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a reduced level of power or effectiveness compared to something else. Example: "The new engine operates less powerfully than the previous model, resulting in lower performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

But he could afford to sell it a little less powerfully.

The New York Times

(This works, though slightly less powerfully, on other social networks that utilize streams and emphasize the present).

The New Yorker

Tom Georgeson no less powerfully shows Ralph as a damaged figure grappling with the concept of remorse.

The Guardian

If it does not endure, it could complicate the economic picture as these two pistons of the already sputtering economy, profits and the stock market, fire less powerfully.

The New York Times

In his "Inner Diaspora" notes, Mr. Rothenberg cites the piece as a conceptual link between Judaism and Buddhism; in performance it served, more simply but no less powerfully, as an interlude of deep placidity and concentration.

The New York Times - Arts

In "Spiral Jetta," an unashamedly honest, slyly uproarious, ever-probing book, art doesn't magically have the power to change lives, but it can, perhaps no less powerfully, change ways of seeing.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Smaller and less powerfully-armed than most contemporary battleships, they marked a brief departure from Italian battleship design, which had previous emphasized large ships equipped with large guns.

Wikipedia

Malky Mackay was less reticent, powerfully arguing that Taylor had erred in allowing the equaliser.

Independent

The artist's emotions may run deep, but the show conveys them less than powerfully (Johnson).

The New York Times - Arts

Photovoltaic agriculture can effectively alleviate the contradiction between more population and less land, powerfully promote the development of controlled environmental agriculture, evidently increase economic benefits of farmers, and significantly improve environment due to emissions reduction in China.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

The Who singer and his American band give the piece a faithful reading, with Pete Townshend guesting to thunderous acclaim on "The Acid Queen", the composer's voice less reedy and more powerfully gravelly than it has often seemed.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less powerfully", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being compared. For instance, specify what the subject is performing "less powerfully" than.

Common error

Avoid using "less powerfully" without a clear reference point for comparison. Without context, it's unclear what the subject's power is being measured against, which can lead to ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less powerfully" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier. It modifies a verb or adjective to indicate a reduced degree of power or intensity with which an action is performed. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

31%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less powerfully" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that signifies a diminished level of force or effectiveness. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's suitable for diverse contexts, ranging from News & Media to Science. To ensure clarity, always provide a reference point for the comparison. Common alternatives include "with reduced force" and "to a lesser extent". Remember to avoid ambiguity by clearly stating what is being compared when using "less powerfully".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less effectively

Focuses on the reduced ability to produce a desired result.

not as strongly

Directly compares the strength to a higher level.

with less impact

Indicates the effect or consequence is not as significant.

with reduced effect

Highlights that the consequences or results are minimized.

with reduced force

Focuses on the physical strength or impact being diminished.

with diminished intensity

Highlights a decrease in the emotional or sensory strength.

in a weaker manner

Describes the way something is done, implying a lack of strength or effectiveness.

to a smaller degree

Emphasizes the diminished magnitude or scale.

to a lesser extent

Emphasizes the degree or scope of the action is smaller.

with less vigor

Implies a decrease in energy or enthusiasm.

FAQs

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

Use "less powerfully" to indicate a reduced level of force or effectiveness. For example, "The newer model operates "less powerfully" than its predecessor, resulting in lower performance".

What are some alternatives to "less powerfully"?

You can use phrases like "with reduced force", "to a lesser extent", or "with less impact", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less powerfully"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Less" is used to form the comparative of adverbs, and "powerfully" is an adverb, so the combination is valid.

What's the difference between "less powerfully" and "more weakly"?

"Less powerfully" implies a reduction in the degree of power or force, while "more weakly" suggests an increased state of weakness or frailty. While similar, "less powerfully" focuses on a decrease from a previous level of power, whereas "more weakly" emphasizes inherent weakness.