less readily than

USAGE SUMMARY

"less readily than" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to compare the ease or speed with which something is done, and it is often used in academic or technical writing. Example: "In general, complex tasks require more time and effort to complete, and therefore are less readily accomplished than simpler tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Because 13C is heavier, organisms tend to absorb it less readily than they do 12C.

The Economist

Frank Wallau, director of the Institute for Mittelstand Research, a group based in Bonn, says that these companies lay off people less readily than public companies that must listen to outside investors.

The New York Times

There has been an increase in the number opting for the label "English" as the one that best describes their nationality (see chart).Respondents not only embrace a British identity less readily than they did but also have trouble ascribing a distinctive meaning to it.

The Economist

Astatine sublimes less readily than does iodine, having a lower vapor pressure.

Wikipedia

It was also noted that people suffering from hypertension returned the questionnaire somewhat less readily than others.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

In addition, there is the issue of the "file-drawer effect" (59), where null results are published less readily than statistically significant associations.

Epidemiologic Reviews

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Braille users have noticed that Braille books are becoming less readily available than they were a few years ago.

The Guardian

Gascon, in the southwest of France, is usually classified as an Occitan dialect, though to most other southerners it is today less readily comprehensible than Catalan.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But audits of country programmes, project impact appraisals, project designs, memorandums of understanding and evaluations are much less readily available than information such as strategy, annual reports and overall project costs.

The Guardian

This was probably less readily excreted than the linear isomer of PFOS due to spatial shielding of the hydrophilic sulfonate moiety.

Environmental Sciences Europe

a Iodinated glucose is less readily degraded than its parent compound glucose or the reference compound sodium acetate (NaAc), but still reaches ready biodegradability within the 21-d window (dashed line).

Environmental Sciences Europe

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less readily than" when comparing how easily or quickly two actions or processes occur. Ensure the comparison is clear and the context supports the comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "less readily than" when there is no direct comparison being made. The phrase is designed to highlight differences in ease or speed, so ensure there are two distinct subjects or actions being compared.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less readily than" functions as a comparative conjunction, linking two elements and indicating that one is achieved with less ease or speed than the other. As supported by Ludwig, this construction is grammatically correct and frequently used to establish contrasts in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

26%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less readily than" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed comparative conjunction, effectively used to demonstrate a difference in ease, speed, or willingness between two actions or processes. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans across multiple domains, with particular prevalence in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts. This makes it suitable for both formal and neutral settings. When writing, it's important to ensure a clear comparison is present to avoid misuse. By understanding its function and appropriate contexts, writers can effectively leverage "less readily than" to create clear and nuanced comparisons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as easily as

Emphasizes reduced ease, focusing on the degree of difficulty.

with more difficulty than

Highlights the increased difficulty involved.

to a lesser extent than

Focuses on the degree or scope of something being done.

not so quickly as

Emphasizes a slower pace or speed.

not as promptly as

Highlights a delay in timeliness.

with less willingness than

Focuses on a reduced level of enthusiasm or motivation.

with reduced efficiency compared to

Highlights a difference in how effectively something is done.

not as smoothly as

Emphasizes a difference in the level of complication or difficulty.

with greater reluctance than

Highlights a decrease in willingness to act.

not so straightforwardly as

Focuses on a reduced simplicity or directness.

FAQs

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

Use "less readily than" to compare the ease or speed of two different actions or processes. For example, "Negatively charged peptides may be eliminated "less readily than" neutral polypeptides".

What's a good alternative to "less readily than"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "not as easily as", "with more difficulty than", or "to a lesser extent than".

Is "less readily than" formal or informal?

"Less readily than" is suitable for formal and academic writing. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives might be preferred.

What is the difference between "less readily than" and "more readily than"?

"Less readily than" indicates something is done with more difficulty or at a slower pace compared to something else, while "more readily than" implies the opposite: something is done with greater ease or speed.