less red tape

USAGE SUMMARY

'less red tape' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to refer to bureaucratic regulations or procedures that need to be followed in order to complete a task, and it implies that fewer regulations would lead to more efficient completion of the task. For example, "The new mayor is committed to introducing reforms to the city's government to reduce red tape, so that public works projects can get done faster."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

3. Less red tape.

Harvard University

Heady also lived in an era of less red tape.

University of California, Berkeley

Surely they could do it faster, with less red tape.

The New York Times

Experiments can be done cheaper and faster, and with less red tape.

The Washington Post

"What is needed is a lot less red tape and bureaucracy.

Independent

There's more flexibility in the states, more accountability in return for less red tape.

The Economist

Less red tape would help consumers and savers and Japan has plenty of both.

The Economist

With less red tape it has become harder for governments to measure trade accurately.

The Economist

European companies sell with less red tape, advocates of the bill say.

The New York Times

And without EU membership, the UK would be free to broker a deal along these lines with less red tape.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The Tory direction of travel is for a smaller, less prescriptive national curriculum, a greatly reduced role for local councils, encouragement for new providers of schools and less red-tape tying the hands of entrepreneurial head teachers.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less red tape" when discussing improvements to government operations, business processes, or any situation where excessive bureaucracy hinders progress.

Common error

Avoid using "less red tape" as a blanket statement supporting complete deregulation. Emphasize that the goal is to streamline processes and remove unnecessary burdens, not to eliminate all regulations, which could lead to unintended negative consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less red tape" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it refers to the concept of reducing bureaucratic obstacles. For example, "The company needs less red tape to innovate effectively."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

13%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less red tape" is a commonly used phrase that advocates for the reduction of unnecessary bureaucracy to enhance efficiency and productivity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted, primarily appearing in news, business, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, it's beneficial to provide specific examples of burdensome regulations and how their removal would lead to improvements. Alternatives like "streamlined processes" and "reduced bureaucracy" can offer nuanced ways to express the same concept. Avoiding the conflation of "less red tape" with complete deregulation is crucial to maintain a balanced perspective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced bureaucracy

Directly addresses the reduction of bureaucratic procedures and administrative overhead.

cutting bureaucracy

Emphasizes actively reducing bureaucratic processes.

simplified procedures

Emphasizes making procedures easier to understand and follow.

simplified regulations

Concentrates on regulations that are easier to understand and comply with.

administrative simplification

Focuses on simplifying administrative tasks and processes.

streamlined processes

Focuses on making processes more efficient and direct, reducing unnecessary steps.

uncomplicated processes

Emphasizes the ease and simplicity of the processes involved.

deregulation

Highlights the removal or simplification of regulations.

efficient regulations

Highlights streamlining existing regulations to improve efficiency.

lean administration

Suggests a more efficient and less wasteful administrative system.

FAQs

What does "less red tape" mean?

The phrase "less red tape" refers to a reduction in burdensome or unnecessary bureaucratic regulations and procedures. It implies a desire for simplification and increased efficiency in processes.

How can I advocate for "less red tape" effectively?

To advocate effectively, provide specific examples of regulations that are causing problems, explain the negative impact of these regulations, and suggest concrete alternatives that would streamline the process without sacrificing necessary oversight.

What are some alternatives to saying "less red tape"?

You can use alternatives like "streamlined processes", "reduced bureaucracy", or "simplified procedures" depending on the context.

Why is "less red tape" often a goal in business and government?

Because excessive bureaucracy can stifle innovation, increase costs, and slow down decision-making processes. Reducing unnecessary regulations can lead to greater efficiency, productivity, and economic growth.