less said

USAGE SUMMARY

"less said" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to suggest that the speaker/writer would prefer not to say too much about a particular topic or situation. Example: "I think it's best if we keep the details of our disagreement to ourselves. Less said, the better."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The less said, the better".

The New Yorker

Well, the less said the better.

The New York Times

(The less said about that, the better).

The New York Times - Sports

The less said about them the better.

The New Yorker

"100 rooms or less," said a third.

The New York Times

Of Vista, the less said the better.

The Economist

Less said the better.

The New York Times - Sports

The less said about it, the better.

The Guardian - Opinion

"After Before has sold less," said Chalmers.

The Guardian - Books

What if, I more or less said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Often less," says Lowenthal.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less said" when you want to politely indicate that further discussion on a topic is unnecessary or undesirable because it might be sensitive or create unwanted attention.

Common error

Avoid using "less said" repeatedly in close proximity within your writing. This can make your tone seem dismissive or evasive. Vary your phrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less said" functions as an elliptical statement used to imply that further discussion on a particular subject is unnecessary, unwanted, or potentially harmful. As Ludwig AI indicates, it suggests a preference to avoid elaborating on a topic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less said" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that it's better to avoid further discussion on a topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used in news and media to politely shut down conversation, often due to the sensitivity or potential for conflict. Alternatives like "better left unsaid" or "silence is golden" can be used to add variety to your writing. While generally acceptable, be mindful of overuse, and consider more direct phrasing in formal contexts. Using "less said" effectively can help maintain a tactful and respectful tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

better left unsaid

Implies that saying nothing is the best option, often due to potential negative consequences.

the least said, the soonest mended

Suggests that saying less can prevent further problems or conflicts.

best not to dwell on it

Advises against spending too much time thinking or talking about something.

it's better not to discuss

Directly states that a topic should be avoided in conversation.

mum's the word

Indicates a promise to keep something secret or not to talk about it.

let's not go there

Suggests avoiding a particular topic that could be sensitive or problematic.

the less you know, the better

Implies that ignorance is preferable in certain situations.

silence is golden

Highlights the value of staying quiet in certain situations.

not worth mentioning

Suggests that something is insignificant or unimportant.

no comment

A formal refusal to comment on a specific matter.

FAQs

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

You can use "less said" to imply that further discussion of a topic is best avoided. For example, "About that disastrous meeting, the "less said", the "better"".

What does "less said" mean?

"Less said" means that it is better to say very little or nothing about a particular topic, often because it is sensitive or problematic.

Are there any synonyms for "less said"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "better left unsaid", "best not to dwell on it", or "silence is golden" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "less said" in formal writing?

While generally suitable, consider the context. In highly formal or academic writing, more direct or specific phrasing might be preferable. However, in news articles or reports, "less said" can be perfectly acceptable.