less severe

USAGE SUMMARY

"less severe" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to describe something that is not as intense or extreme as something else. For example: "The punishment for the infraction was less severe than expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are less severe.

The Economist

More severe or less severe?

The Guardian

Further south, the bleaching is less severe.

The Guardian

It makes its symptoms less severe.

The New York Times

In Iowa, the situation was less severe.

The New York Times - Magazine

The mayor's vehicle had less severe damage.

The New York Times

Bach's libretto is somewhat less severe.

The New Yorker

"Problems at Harvard are different, but no less severe.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"It could make the infection less severe," she says.

Harvard University

Fines are generally less severe in this case.

Cornell University

It is similar to frostbite, but considered less severe.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the severity of two situations, clearly state what is being compared to provide context. For example, "The symptoms this time were "less severe" compared to the previous episode."

Common error

Avoid using "less severe" without specifying what the subject is less severe than. This can lead to ambiguity. Instead of saying "The damage was less severe", specify "The damage to the car was "less severe" than initially estimated".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less severe" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating that something is not as intense, serious, or extreme as something else. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates a mitigated or diminished state of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

32%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less severe" is a comparative adjective phrase used to indicate that something is not as intense, serious, or extreme as something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. When using the phrase, it is important to specify what you are comparing the subject to, in order to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "not as serious", "milder", and "not as intense". By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "less severe" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as serious

Replaces "severe" with "serious", keeping the same meaning of intensity but using a different adjective.

milder

Uses a single word to convey the reduced intensity, simpler and more direct.

not as intense

Substitutes "severe" with "intense", focusing on the degree of strength or force.

less critical

Emphasizes the reduced importance or urgency of the situation.

not as acute

Replaces "severe" with "acute", suggesting the condition is not as sharp or intense.

more moderate

Highlights the balanced or tempered nature of the condition or situation.

somewhat reduced

Focuses on the fact that something has been lessened, rather than its inherent severity.

relatively light

Indicates a lower degree of burden or impact compared to something heavier or more substantial.

not as extreme

Emphasizes that the situation is not at the farthest point on a scale of intensity or effect.

easier to manage

Shifts focus to the manageability of the situation, implying reduced difficulty due to lower severity.

FAQs

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

You can use "less severe" to describe something that is not as intense or extreme as something else. For instance, "The punishment was "less severe" than expected" or "The symptoms are "less severe" this time around."

What are some alternatives to saying "less severe"?

You can use alternatives such as "not as serious", "milder", or "not as intense" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "less severe" or "fewer severe"?

"Less severe" is used for uncountable nouns like damage or pain, while "fewer" is used for countable nouns. Therefore, "less severe" is generally the correct choice unless you are referring to a specific number of severe instances.

What's the difference between "less severe" and "less extreme"?

While both phrases indicate a reduction in intensity, "less severe" typically refers to negative conditions or outcomes, while "less extreme" can apply to a wider range of situations. "Less severe" suggests a reduction in seriousness or gravity, while "less extreme" indicates a moderation from an extreme position or condition.