less really

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less really" is not standard or commonly used in written English.
It may be used in informal contexts to express a degree of understatement or to soften a statement, but it lacks clarity. Example: "I thought the movie would be exciting, but it was less really than I expected."

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

But, I think, a little less, really".

The New Yorker

And sometimes less really is more.

The Economist

So is less really more?

The Guardian

But sometimes less really is more.

The New York Times

Sometimes less really is more when it comes to predictions.

The New York Times

But a valuable lesson is demonstrated anew: Less really can be more.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

The cream to powder finish means you don't have to set with more powder, it's also crease-less really does last all day, no touch-ups required.

Independent

For more recent admirers, myself among them, the "Canopus in Argos" series is where Lessing really took flight.

The New York Times - Books

It is less colourful, really".

The Guardian - Music

The more his descriptions shimmer, the less they really show.

The New Yorker

"For them to have said 'eat less' is really new.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using clearer alternatives like "not really", "less so", or "somewhat less" for improved clarity in formal writing. While "less really" is understood, these options provide more directness and avoid potential ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "less really" in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and widely accepted alternatives to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less really" functions as a qualifier or intensifier, typically used to soften a preceding statement or express a weaker degree of something. Ludwig examples show it often appears in informal contexts. It can also serve as a hedge, diminishing the force of an assertion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while "less really" is a grammatically acceptable phrase, it is not considered standard English and is more appropriate for informal contexts. Ludwig AI and the examples show the phrase often functions to soften statements or express understatement. For formal writing, clearer alternatives like ""not really"" or ""less so"" are preferable. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, suggesting a neutral to informal register. It's crucial to consider the audience and purpose of writing when deciding whether to use "less really", opting for greater clarity and precision in professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not really

Direct negation of "really", indicating something is not as it seems.

less so

A concise way to indicate a reduced degree or frequency.

not so much

Indicates a weaker degree of something compared to what was expected.

not quite as

Expresses that something does not fully reach a certain level.

somewhat less

Explicitly indicates a reduction in quantity or degree.

slightly less

Similar to 'somewhat less', but emphasizing a smaller difference.

not entirely

Suggests something is not completely the case.

to a lesser extent

Formal way of expressing a reduced impact or influence.

not altogether

Similar to 'not entirely', suggesting partial rather than complete agreement or truth.

less than truly

Emphasizes the lack of genuine quality.

FAQs

What does the phrase "less really" mean?

The phrase "less really" is used to soften a statement or express a degree of understatement. It indicates that something is not quite as much or as true as it might seem. It is often used informally.

Is "less really" grammatically correct?

While not considered standard English, "less really" is sometimes used informally. However, it's generally better to use clearer alternatives such as "not really" or "less so", especially in formal writing.

What are some alternatives to saying "less really"?

Alternatives to "less really" include "not really", "somewhat less", "slightly less", "to a lesser extent", and "less so". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

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

You can use "less really" to express that something is true or present to a smaller degree than expected. For instance, "I thought the movie would be exciting, but it was "less really" than I expected." However, consider using clearer alternatives for formal writing.