less significant than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less significant than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the importance or relevance of one thing in relation to another. Example: "The impact of the new policy is less significant than the changes we made last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

This is less significant than it used to be.

The Guardian

The result is less significant than the regression with household income.

Stanford University

Actually, the euro's international role may be even less significant than Pollard projects.

Columbia University

Westgate, too, is Israeli owned, but this may be less significant than it might appear.

The Guardian - Opinion

I do, however, think it less significant than the scale of coverage would indicate.

The Guardian

Penrose was an artist of some accomplishment, but his art is less significant than his life.

The New York Times - Books

Some investors see investment losses as less significant than insurance underwriting losses.

The New York Times

But Girardi's endorsement might have been less significant than that of the American Mustache Institute.

The New York Times - Sports

But Taiwan's elimination of the ban is less significant than it may seem.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less significant than", ensure that both elements being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify what makes one thing "less significant" in relation to the other.

Common error

Avoid using "less significant than" when the item in question is actually irrelevant or negligible. Reserve it for situations where it has some importance, but not as much as the other element being compared.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less significant than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to denote that something has a lower degree of importance, impact, or relevance when compared to something else. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a grammatically correct expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less significant than" is a versatile comparative tool used to indicate that one element is of lower importance, impact, or relevance compared to another. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a grammatically sound and widely accepted expression. With 57 examples across diverse sources, the phrase is classified as "very common". While appropriate for various contexts, it is most frequently encountered in News & Media and Science. When employing "less significant than", clarity is key, ensuring that both elements being compared are well-defined. Consider alternatives like "not as important as" or "of lesser importance than" based on the desired level of formality and the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as important as

Replaces "less significant than" with a more direct comparison of importance.

of lesser importance than

Uses a more formal tone to indicate diminished significance.

not as crucial as

Emphasizes a difference in criticality or necessity.

secondary to

Suggests a hierarchical relationship where something is subordinate.

pale in comparison to

Highlights a stark difference in importance, often emphasizing the insignificance of one element.

dwarfed by

Indicates that something is overshadowed in importance or size.

subordinate to

Implies a ranking where something is lower in order or importance.

not nearly as vital as

Stresses the lack of essential quality compared to something else.

outweighed by

Indicates that something is surpassed in importance or influence.

a lower priority than

Focuses on the relative prioritization of different elements.

FAQs

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

Use "less significant than" to compare the importance or impact of two different things, showing that one has a lower value or effect compared to the other. For example, "The cost is "less significant than" the potential benefits".

What are some alternatives to saying "less significant than"?

You can use phrases such as "not as important as", "of lesser importance than", or "secondary to" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "less significant than" in formal writing?

While "less significant than" is grammatically correct and widely accepted, consider the specific context. In some formal settings, alternatives like "of lesser importance than" might be preferred for a more elevated tone.

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

"Less significant than" implies a comparison between two items where one has lower importance. "Insignificant", on the other hand, means something is essentially without importance or consequence. Use "less significant than" to show relative value and "insignificant" to dismiss importance altogether.