less real than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less real than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the reality or authenticity of two things, indicating that one is not as genuine or substantial as the other. Example: "In the world of virtual reality, experiences can often feel less real than actual life events."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's less real than surreal — a hallucination.

The New York Times - Arts

His mustache looked even less real than ours.

The New Yorker

The concept of the Bitcoin is no less real than regular paper money or coins.

The New York Times

But who is to say that they are less real than Professor Davies's disappeared countries?

Independent

Unfortunately, the show that follows feels less real than this introduction.

The New York Times - Arts

They think my academic and journalistic work is less real than Zuckerberg's dog?

The Guardian - Tech

As Georgia O'Keeffe once put it, "Nothing is less real than realism".

The New York Times - Arts

"Nothing is less real than realism," she said in that pragmatic yet enigmatic way of hers.

The Guardian

If not, was the second time less real than the first?

The New Yorker

Mythical beings are also more and less real than characters in novels.

The Guardian - Books

Passion devoted to craftsmanship is no less real than passion devoted to human affairs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less real than" to highlight a contrast between something perceived and something tangible. For example: "The virtual experience was "less real than" holding the actual product."

Common error

Avoid using "less real than" for highly subjective experiences. Instead of saying 'His sadness felt "less real than" mine,' consider using 'His sadness seemed less intense than mine' to convey the difference in emotional depth more accurately.

Linguistic Context

"Less real than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's employed to establish that one entity possesses a diminished quality of reality when juxtaposed with another. Ludwig's examples show its use across varied contexts, always serving to draw a comparison in terms of authenticity or tangibility. Ludwig AI confirms it to be correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less real than" is a versatile comparative phrase used to express a distinction in authenticity or tangibility between two subjects. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. While extremely versatile, remember to keep context in mind when choosing to use "less real than". Its prevalent use in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian solidifies its acceptability and relevance in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less genuine than

Highlights the diminished sincerity or truthfulness.

not as authentic as

Emphasizes the lack of genuineness compared to something else.

more artificial than

Emphasizes the manufactured or unnatural quality.

not as substantial as

Indicates a lack of physical or conceptual weight.

less tangible than

Highlights the absence of concrete or touchable qualities.

more illusory than

Focuses on the deceptive nature of something in comparison.

more superficial than

Suggests a lack of depth or thoroughness in comparison.

not quite as valid as

Expresses a lower degree of justification or legitimacy.

paler imitation of

Highlights the inferior quality of reproduction or copying.

a far cry from

Indicates a significant difference in quality or resemblance.

FAQs

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

You can use "less real than" to compare the authenticity of two things, indicating one is not as genuine as the other. For example: "The dream felt "less real than" my everyday life."

What are some alternatives to saying "less real than"?

Alternatives include "not as authentic as", "more illusory than", or "less genuine than", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say 'more real than' instead of "less real than" in some contexts?

Yes, 'more real than' can be used as the opposite of "less real than", depending on what you are trying to emphasize. While "less real than" suggests a deficiency in authenticity, 'more real than' suggests a greater degree of authenticity or tangibility.

When should I avoid using "less real than"?

Avoid using "less real than" in situations where subjectivity is high, such as comparing emotional experiences. Instead, opt for alternatives that express differences in intensity or perception.