less significant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less significant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is not as important as before. For example, "We have seen a decrease in profits this quarter, making the difference between last quarter's results less significant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The amount is much less significant.

The Guardian

But that didn't make it less significant.

The New York Times

Williams's presence was considerably less significant.

The Guardian - Sport

Which are none the less significant.

The Guardian - Books

Another less significant alteration was needed.

The New York Times - Sports

Davis's subsequent movies were generally less significant.

Britannica

Yet that hardly makes it less significant.

The Guardian

The Carlos Tevez story was far less significant.

Independent

The production trappings are less subtle but no less significant.

The New York Times - Arts

Those numbers, while daunting, are less significant than other factors.

The New York Times

"It was less significant than we had feared," he added.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less significant" to downplay elements without dismissing them entirely. It acknowledges a reduced importance, not necessarily a lack of importance.

Common error

Avoid using "less significant" when you mean "insignificant." The former implies a relative difference in importance, while the latter suggests a complete lack of value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less significant" functions as an adjectival modifier, qualifying nouns by indicating a reduced level of importance or consequence. It describes something that holds a lower degree of relevance or impact in comparison to something else. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less significant" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed adjectival modifier. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to de-emphasize the importance of something in comparison to something else. It's use spans a variety of contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic content, highlighting its versatility. While "less significant" is common and generally neutral, remember to use it accurately to denote a relative difference in importance, and avoid using it when "insignificant" is more appropriate. By considering these nuances, you can effectively communicate the intended level of importance in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less important

Focuses on the diminished importance of something.

less relevant

Highlights the reduced relevance or pertinence of something.

of minor importance

Emphasizes the small degree of importance.

of little consequence

Stresses the minimal impact or effect of something.

not as crucial

Indicates that something is not as vital or essential.

secondary

Positions something as being of lower priority or rank.

peripheral

Suggests that something is on the edge or not central.

subordinate

Highlights that something is lower in rank or position.

not a priority

Directly states that something is not among the top concerns.

less critical

Emphasizes a reduced level of criticality or urgency.

FAQs

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

You can use "less significant" to indicate that something has a lower degree of importance or impact compared to something else. For example, "The side effects of the medication are "less significant" than the benefits."

What are some alternatives to saying "less significant"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "less important", "less relevant", or "of minor importance".

Is it grammatically correct to say "less significant"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Less" is used to compare non-countable nouns and adjectives, and "significant" is an adjective. Therefore, "less significant" is a valid and commonly used phrase.

What's the difference between "less significant" and "insignificant"?

"Less significant" implies a comparison, indicating that something is not as important as something else. "Insignificant", on the other hand, means that something is of very little or no importance at all. Therefore, "less significant" suggests relative unimportance, while "insignificant" denotes absolute unimportance.