less straightforward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less straightforward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not simple or clear, often indicating complexity or ambiguity. Example: "The instructions for assembling the furniture were less straightforward than I had anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is much less straightforward".

The New Yorker

The reality is less straightforward.

The Guardian - Opinion

Private life looks less straightforward.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Then it became less straightforward.

The New York Times

The political judgment is less straightforward.

The Economist

But often things are far less straightforward.

The Economist

The story behind averageness is less straightforward.

Nature

Other kinds of rain are less straightforward.

The Guardian

The relationships are less straightforward, though.

The Guardian - Film

Whoa!'" For Herman it was less straightforward.

The Guardian - Music

But from there things were less straightforward.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or situation, use "less straightforward" to subtly indicate hidden complexities without being overly negative or critical.

Common error

Avoid using "less straightforward" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language with alternatives like "more complex" or "more involved" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less straightforward" primarily functions as an adjective phrase. It typically modifies a noun or noun phrase, indicating that something is not as simple or direct as it might initially appear. As Ludwig AI correctly points out, this phrase is commonly used and acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less straightforward" is a versatile and commonly used adjective phrase that indicates a lack of simplicity or directness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread acceptability. It is frequently found in news articles and professional writing, effectively conveying complexity or ambiguity. While suitable for various contexts, it's important to consider alternatives like "more complex" or "more involved" to prevent overuse. Understanding these nuances helps writers use "less straightforward" effectively and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more complicated

Emphasizes an increase in complexity, suggesting multiple interconnected parts or steps.

more complex

Highlights intricate and multifaceted nature.

not as simple

Focuses on the lack of simplicity, directly contrasting it with an easier alternative.

more involved

Suggests greater participation, effort, or factors influencing the situation.

more convoluted

Implies a winding, confusing, and unnecessarily complex nature.

more intricate

Focuses on the detailed and elaborate nature of something.

less clear-cut

Highlights the ambiguity and lack of distinct boundaries or decisions.

more problematic

Emphasizes the challenges and potential issues that arise.

more nuanced

Indicates the presence of subtle differences and distinctions requiring careful consideration.

more challenging

Focuses on the difficulty and effort required to understand or deal with something.

FAQs

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

Use "less straightforward" to describe situations or concepts that are not simple or direct. For example, "The solution to the problem was "less straightforward" than we initially thought."

What's a more formal way to say "less straightforward"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "more complex", "more involved", or "more intricate" to maintain a professional tone.

What are some simpler alternatives to "less straightforward"?

If you need a simpler alternative, try "not as simple", "more complicated", or "more difficult". Choose the alternative that best fits the specific context.

Is it correct to say "fewer straightforward" instead of "less straightforward"?

No, "fewer" is used with countable nouns, while "less" is used with uncountable nouns. "Straightforward" describes a quality or characteristic, making it uncountable in this context. Therefore, "less straightforward" is correct.