less sheer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less sheer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not as transparent or see-through as another item, often in the context of clothing or materials. Example: "I prefer this dress because it is less sheer than the other one I tried on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

There is less hunger now, less sheer animal drudgery, people have time to straighten their backs.

Independent

Sheerness depends on both gauge and denier: 60 gauge, 15 denier is closer knit than 51 gauge, 15 denier, and for that reason is less sheer and wears better even though the yarn is the same size; 60 gauge, 30 denier and 51 gauge, 30 denier are heavier and much less sheer.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The clothes were pretty, with the dresses transparent enough to view shorts-style underpants from the back, while the front was less sheer.

The New York Times

They are now hurriedly promoting the Nazca lines (giant, pre-Inca geoglyphs, or drawings, in the desert south of Lima) and the Colca canyon, where condors fly over an abyss twice as deep as the Grand Canyon (though less sheer).

The Economist

'Next week I'm going for British green'". In the more recent stories there is less sheer joy in language, fewer pyrotechnics, but there is more patience with characters and narrative, and many of the most powerful stories in the collection are new.

The Guardian - Books

As the Web gets longer in the tooth, there's less sheer OH-MY-GOD! innovation and more iteration.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Both were ball gowns with fitted lace bodices, but the 1956 incarnation had a high neck and less-sheer sleeves.

The New York Times

At the site where the earthquake struck, there was nothing less than sheer fear.

Independent

The problem, in Mr. Caldwell's view, is less about sheer numbers than cultural divergence.

The New York Times - Books

His answers never reflect anything less than sheer delight at the chance to help.

The New York Times

He spent three days with the men who ride the bulls for eight seconds — or often less — of sheer terror.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the sheerness of fabrics, provide context by specifying the materials you're comparing, such as "This silk is "less sheer" than the chiffon."

Common error

Avoid using "less sheer" when you mean completely opaque. "Less sheer" implies some level of transparency still exists; use "opaque" or "non-sheer" if there is no transparency at all.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less sheer" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to describe a quality (sheerness) to a lesser extent when comparing two or more items. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is usable and correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less sheer" is a grammatically sound and usable comparative adjective phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, where it serves to describe a reduced level of transparency between items. While not overly common, it is well-understood and can be effectively used to provide precise descriptions. For alternative phrasing, consider options such as "more opaque" or "not as transparent", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more opaque

Switches the focus to the opposite quality: being opaque rather than see-through.

not as transparent

Rephrases the comparison in terms of transparency instead of sheerness.

thicker material

Focuses on the physical characteristic that makes a material less see-through.

less translucent

Replaces "sheer" with "translucent", maintaining the comparative aspect.

more dense

Describes the material's density as a factor in reducing transparency.

more solid

Indicates a stronger degree of opaqueness compared to something sheer.

heavier fabric

Specifies the type of material contributing to reduced sheerness.

dimmer

Focuses on light transmission, where less light passes through.

more covered

Emphasizes that more area is hidden from view.

obscured

Highlights the blocking of light and vision, reducing visibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "less sheer" to compare the transparency of different materials, for instance, "This fabric is "less sheer" than that one, making it more suitable for a formal event".

What's the difference between "less sheer" and "more opaque"?

"Less sheer" indicates a reduced level of transparency, while "more opaque" suggests a greater degree of blocking light. While similar, "more opaque" emphasizes the blocking of light, while "less sheer" focuses on the reduction of see-through quality.

What can I say instead of "less sheer"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "more opaque", "not as transparent", or "thicker material" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say something is "less sheer"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Less sheer" is used to compare the degree of transparency between two items, indicating that one is not as see-through as the other.