less questioning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less questioning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a situation or context where there is a reduced amount of inquiry or skepticism. Example: "In the meeting, there was less questioning about the new policy, indicating a general acceptance among the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

At the diner they are saying, basically, 'How could this happen right under everyone's noses?' " In nearby Medford, where the Jackson family went to church, the mood was less questioning.

The New York Times

They've less questioning and they're more [curious].

TechCrunch

This rapid curving of bacterial growth occurs within a day or less, questioning how these cells locate and induce pathogen killing in such a small amount of time [10].

Plosone

Mr. Willett has been around long enough to remember the days when there was less questioning of police authority, but he doesn't seem to miss them.

The New York Times

There is little public contest over ideas about Russia's course, much less questioning of Mr. Medvedev's qualifications to be the next leader of a country with 140 million people, a nuclear arsenal and the world's largest hydrocarbon reserves.

The New York Times

But "when the terrace was too cool or breezy we set a long table in the living room in front of the open French windows, and if the lake seemed too wide and the Alps too high, we could look into the great mirror opposite and make them more remote, less questioning of us".

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The quality of her interviews varies wildly: Sometimes she defers to the guests too much, and she is less fearless questioning others than herself.

The New York Times - Arts

I wanted to learn about them less through questioning and more through interaction.

Huffington Post

The Russian sports commentariat was less kind, questioning why the 31-year-old hadn't made way for a younger competitor before the Games started.

Los Angeles Times

On the other hand, this may have led to less "leading" questioning on our part.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

On soggy days, Israeli security forces tend to have less interest in questioning Palestinians at checkpoints.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less questioning", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being questioned or the source of the questioning. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "less questioning" when "fewer questions" is more appropriate. "Less questioning" refers to a decrease in the act of questioning, while "fewer questions" refers to a lower number of questions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less questioning" functions as a noun phrase modified by the adjective "less", indicating a decrease or reduction in the act of questioning. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less questioning" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a reduction in inquiry or scrutiny. Ludwig confirms its validity and demonstrates its use in diverse contexts, particularly within news and scientific domains. While versatile, it's crucial to differentiate its meaning from "fewer questions" to maintain clarity. Remember to consider the scope and context when using this phrase, ensuring the statement is well-defined. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively incorporate "less questioning" into their vocabulary. Examples from The New York Times or Huffington Post clearly show the real life use of this expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced scrutiny

Emphasizes a decrease in detailed examination or inspection.

diminished inquiry

Highlights a decline in the act of asking questions or seeking information.

decreased skepticism

Focuses on a reduction in doubt or disbelief.

limited interrogation

Suggests a restriction in the process of formal questioning.

minimal probing

Indicates very little in-depth investigation or exploration.

superficial examination

Implies a shallow or cursory investigation without thoroughness.

unchallenged acceptance

Highlights the absence of questioning or opposition to an idea or situation.

tacit agreement

Suggests agreement or acceptance without explicit questioning or discussion.

passive reception

Emphasizes a lack of active questioning or engagement with information.

unquestioning compliance

Indicates obedience or adherence without any inquiry or reservations.

FAQs

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

You can use "less questioning" to describe a situation where there is a decrease in scrutiny or inquiry. For example, "There was "less questioning" of the data after the initial positive results".

What's the difference between "less questioning" and "fewer questions"?

"Less questioning" refers to a reduced amount of inquiry in general, while "fewer questions" refers to a smaller number of specific inquiries. Use "less questioning" when discussing the overall process of questioning, and "fewer questions" when discussing the number of questions asked.

What can I say instead of "less questioning"?

You can use alternatives like "reduced scrutiny", "diminished inquiry", or "decreased skepticism" depending on the specific context.

Is "less questioning" grammatically correct?

Yes, "less questioning" is grammatically correct. It is used to describe a decrease in the amount or intensity of questioning.