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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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less research intensive

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less research intensive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a project, field, or activity that requires a lower level of research effort or resources compared to others. Example: "The new initiative is designed to be less research intensive, allowing for quicker implementation and results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

We are now less research intensive than China.

News & Media

The Guardian

If long-term trading promises a poor trade-off, actors of all stripes might look to invest their limited capital in less research intensive markets.This is the key point.

News & Media

The Economist

The remainder — less research intensive and selective, like Middle Tennessee State, Golden Gate University or the for-profit Grand Canyon University — fall into Tier 4. While nearly a third of students from Tier 4 schools go on to earn a graduate degree, only 7percentt of them do so at a Tier 1 school; 66 percent remain in a Tier 4 program.

News & Media

The New York Times

Endy is part of a group of synthetic biologists that is focused on building up basic tools to make this process faster, cheaper and less research intensive, so that even the most sophisticated custom-built life forms can be assembled from a catalog of standardized parts: namely, connectable pieces of DNA called BioBrick parts, which snap together like Legos.

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Students who attended medical schools with higher levels of N.I.H. funding were less likely to have interactions with industry than their peers at less research-intensive institutions.

News & Media

The New York Times

While institutions like Oxford or Cambridge can easily find students willing to pay, higher tuition would probably create problems for smaller, less respected or less research-intensive universities, or for those with poorer students, Mr. Cottrell said.

News & Media

The New York Times

If you're applying for a teaching role at a less research-intensive university, then do I really want to wade through seven or eight pages of information about your research experience before I get to a meagre section on your teaching?

News & Media

The Guardian

Less research-intensive faculties often include more minorities than more research-intensive faculties, she says.

Science & Research

Science Magazine

The rest would be added to a 25-year-old program to help less research-intensive states become more competitive.

Science & Research

Science Magazine

"We've reached out to less research-intensive universities … and asked them to recommend their top young faculty".

Science & Research

Science Magazine

AREA proposals (a.k.a. R15s), which support research at smaller and less research-intensive institutions, made the switch in late February.

Science & Research

Science Magazine
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For grant applications, honestly assess whether your project is "less research intensive" and tailor your application to highlight its strengths in other areas, such as community impact or practical application.

Common error

Don't assume that "less research intensive" implies low quality. It simply means the focus is elsewhere, such as on application, development, or teaching. Ensure your communication emphasizes the strengths of the project or institution, highlighting that it may be "less research intensive" but still valuable.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

87%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less research intensive" primarily functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase. It describes a noun (e.g., institution, project, method) by indicating a lower degree of research activity or resource allocation. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less research intensive" is a grammatically correct and usable term for describing activities, institutions, or projects that prioritize factors other than heavy research. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively distinguishes entities based on their level of research involvement, and it is most frequently encountered in science, news media, and academic contexts. While it is essential to avoid equating "less research intensive" with low quality, it provides a valuable descriptor when accuracy is needed. Alternatives such as "lower research focus" or "reduced research activity" may offer subtle variations in emphasis depending on the specific context.

FAQs

How does a "less research intensive" approach benefit specific projects?

A "less research intensive" approach can allow for quicker implementation, reduced costs, and a greater focus on practical applications or community impact, making it suitable for projects where rapid results or broad accessibility are priorities.

What are some signs that a university is "less research intensive"?

Indicators include a greater emphasis on teaching, smaller research budgets, a higher acceptance rate, and a focus on undergraduate education rather than graduate-level research.

How can I describe a project that has a lower research demand?

Consider using alternatives such as "lower research focus", "reduced research activity", or "light on research" depending on the context.

Is it acceptable to describe a research project as "less research intensive" in formal academic writing?

Yes, but ensure that you are clear about what the project prioritizes instead. For instance, a project might be "less research intensive" but highly focused on development or implementation. Use the phrase strategically to highlight these alternative strengths.

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Source & Trust

87%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: