less problematical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less problematical" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation or issue that is easier to manage or has fewer complications than another. Example: "The new policy is less problematical than the previous one, making it easier for employees to understand and follow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Other aspects of the plan are less problematical but by no means sure things.

The New York Times

Had I done so earlier I should probably have gone for a less problematical word, with a bit of minor (and easy) rejigging.

The Guardian

Now, with this rivalry concealed under a power-sharing arrangement, and with the prospect of the Kurds getting new weapons from America, Turkey's fears of Kurdish strength are inflamed.American help for the non-Kurdish opposition groups is no less problematical.

The Economist

Putin told Bild, perhaps slightly tongue in cheek, that Assad would be a less problematical refugee for Russia than Edward Snowden, and that is true; the US would be unlikely to object.

The Guardian - Opinion

We note that this issue is less problematical in higher dimensional models.

The Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience

On the other hand, education inflows only correlate around 0.5 with property and violent crime rates, perhaps reflecting our inability to separate flows of high school youths from flows of younger children who are less problematical.

Crime Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The Miramax version has, if memory serves, a bit less of the broad comedy that is always problematical for Western viewers of Hong Kong films, and the original synthesizer score has been replaced by a symphonic accompaniment.

The New York Times

Yet even these weak forms of paternalism may be morally problematical, and of course happiness-based policies can be less gentle than that.

SEP

It may prove to be problematical.

The New York Times - Sports

Then there was that problematical list.

The New York Times

First, setting a benchmark often proves problematical.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two options or situations, use "less problematical" to clearly indicate which one presents fewer difficulties or complications.

Common error

While "problematical" is a valid word, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "difficult" or "tricky" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less problematical" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun by indicating a reduced degree of difficulty or fewer complications compared to something else. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less problematical" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that indicates a reduced level of difficulty or fewer complications. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the examples demonstrate its presence in news, science, and encyclopedia contexts. While "less problematical" is a valid option, simpler alternatives like "less troublesome" or "less complicated" may be more suitable for informal settings. When aiming for clarity and comparison in professional or academic writing, "less problematical" effectively conveys a nuanced assessment of relative challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less troublesome

Focuses on the reduced level of annoyance or difficulty.

less complicated

Highlights the reduced complexity of the situation.

less challenging

Emphasizes the reduced level of difficulty or demanding nature.

less difficult

Directly states a lower level of difficulty.

more straightforward

Indicates a clearer and simpler path forward.

easier to manage

Focuses on the improved manageability of a situation or task.

less intricate

Emphasizes the reduction in detailed and complex elements.

less thorny

Implies fewer potential difficulties or obstacles.

more manageable

Indicates an increased ability to handle or control the situation.

less precarious

Highlights the reduction in risk or instability.

FAQs

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

Use "less problematical" to compare two situations, indicating that one presents fewer problems or complications than the other. For example, "This solution is "less problematical" than the previous one".

What are some alternatives to saying "less problematical"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "less troublesome", "less complicated", or "more straightforward".

Is "less problematical" the same as "unproblematical"?

"Less problematical" means having fewer problems or complications, while "unproblematical" implies being entirely without problems. They are not interchangeable, as "less problematical" suggests that some issues may still exist, even if they are reduced.

When is it appropriate to use "less problematical" instead of "less problematic"?

Both "less problematical" and "less problematic" are acceptable, but "less problematic" is more commonly used in contemporary English. "Less problematical" may sound slightly more formal or academic.