less radical

USAGE SUMMARY

"less radical" is a grammatically correct phrase that is commonly used in written English.
It is used to describe something or someone as being less extreme or drastic. Example: While some people advocate for complete revolution, others support a more moderate approach that is less radical in its approach to change.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Consultants' attitudes appear to be responding to the patient demand for less radical treatments.

Gynecological Surgery

Other measures are less radical.

Independent

Clegg's proposal is less radical.

The Guardian - Opinion

But most wanted a less radical redesign.

The Guardian

But there are less radical options.

The New York Times

conditions is not attainable through a less radical route.

Princeton University

But the policies Myerson advocates are rather less radical.

The Washington Post

Their sound, devised by producer Diggs, was no less radical.

The Guardian

His leadership of Channel 4 has been less radical.

The Guardian

Both are poor policies – one just seems less radical.

The Guardian - Business

And so change is less radical than we might expect.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less radical" to accurately convey a shift from extreme views or actions to a more moderate stance. Ensure the context clearly defines what the original "radical" position was.

Common error

Avoid using "less radical" without establishing a reference point. It's crucial to define what constitutes the "radical" end of the spectrum for your audience to understand the intended moderation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less radical" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun by indicating a lower degree of extremity or fundamental change. As Ludwig AI also confirms, this structure is grammatically sound. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its role in qualifying policies, approaches, and even personal behaviors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

22%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less radical" is a grammatically correct and commonly used comparative adjective phrase, as Ludwig AI confirms. It serves to indicate a tempered or moderate approach compared to a more extreme alternative. Its usage spans across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia, with a generally neutral register. When using "less radical", it's crucial to provide context by defining the "radical" end of the spectrum. Alternatives like "more moderate" or "less extreme" can be used to convey similar meanings, depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more moderate

Indicates a shift towards a balanced or middle-ground approach.

less extreme

Emphasizes a reduction in intensity or severity.

more conservative

Suggests a preference for traditional or established views.

more cautious

Implies a careful and hesitant approach to change.

more tempered

Highlights a reduction in force or intensity.

more subdued

Suggests a quieter or more restrained approach.

less revolutionary

Indicates a departure from radical or revolutionary change.

more conventional

Points to adhering to established norms and practices.

more mainstream

Implies greater acceptance and alignment with popular opinion.

more evolutionary

Suggests gradual change rather than sudden upheaval.

FAQs

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

You can use "less radical" to describe a policy, idea, or person that is not as extreme as another. For example: "The proposed solution is "less radical" than initially anticipated."

What are some alternatives to "less radical"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "more moderate", "less extreme", or "more conservative".

Is it grammatically correct to say "less radical"?

Yes, "less radical" is grammatically correct. "Less" is used to compare degrees of non-countable adjectives like "radical".

What does it mean when something is described as "less radical"?

When something is described as "less radical", it means it is not as extreme or fundamental in its approach compared to something else. It implies a moderation of views or methods.