less serious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less serious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not as grave or important as another thing, often in a comparative context. Example: "While the situation is concerning, it is less serious than we initially thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Things get less serious.

The New York Times - Food

Other consequences were less serious.

The New York Times - Arts

Some were less serious, like "Socotastrophe".

The New York Times

Less serious," which is sometimes also appearing as "Less serious".

The New York Times

It makes it less serious".

The New York Times

The problem is less serious in New York City.

The New York Times

They are less serious about life.

The New York Times

The viral form is generally less serious.

The New York Times

The other men suffered less serious injuries.

The New York Times

Legally, negligence is less serious than recklessness.

The New York Times

"Bars have a less serious veneer.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less serious", ensure you are comparing it to something else to provide context. For example, "The injury was less serious than initially feared."

Common error

Avoid using "less serious" without a clear comparison. Saying "The situation is less serious" lacks context. Instead, specify what it is less serious than to provide clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less serious" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating that it possesses a lower degree of seriousness compared to something else. Ludwig's examples showcase this comparative function across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less serious" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed comparative adjective phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to downplay the gravity or importance of a subject relative to another. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedia sources, its neutral tone makes it versatile for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure a clear comparison is present to provide context. Remember, alternatives such as "not as critical", "not as severe", or "more lighthearted" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as critical

Emphasizes a reduced level of criticality or urgency.

not as severe

Highlights a lower level of intensity or impact.

less critical

Highlights a lower level of importance

not as grave

Stresses a diminished sense of solemnity or danger.

more trivial

Suggests a greater degree of insignificance or pettiness.

of minor consequence

Indicates a lack of significant repercussions or effects.

of little importance

Downplays the significance or relevance of something.

less urgent

Emphasizes reduced temporal pressure or immediacy.

not as pressing

Indicates a reduced sense of demand or necessity.

more lighthearted

Suggests a greater degree of levity or cheerfulness.

FAQs

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

You can use "less serious" to compare the severity of two situations, for example, "The damage was "less serious" than we expected."

What is a good alternative to "less serious"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "not as critical", "not as severe", or "more lighthearted".

Which is correct: "less serious" or "fewer serious"?

"Less serious" is correct when referring to the degree of seriousness. "Fewer" is used for countable items, not abstract qualities like seriousness.

What's the difference between "less serious" and "not serious"?

"Less serious" implies a comparison, indicating something is comparatively not as grave as something else. "Not serious" simply states that something lacks gravity or importance.