less strange

USAGE SUMMARY

"less strange" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used in various contexts to compare the level of strangeness between two things or situations. Example: - "The movie was strange, but the book was even stranger." - "She felt less strange in the new city after making some friends." - "As the days went by, the events became less and less strange to him." - "The concept of time travel is fascinating, yet it becomes less and less strange as we learn more about it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Tech

Arts

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here, strangers are less strange.

The New York Times - Travel

People are less strange.

The New York Times - Magazine

This is actually less strange than it seems.

The New York Times - Magazine

A Rangel mailer was only a shade less strange.

The New Yorker

This universe is less strange because it's more predictable".

The New York Times - Books

It will make this whole area feel less strange".

The Guardian - Tech

The defense application of Robbins's work is less strange than it might at first seem.

The New Yorker

But when I thought about it more, it started to seem less strange.

The New Yorker

The truth of the cosmos was only a little less strange than science fiction.

The New Yorker

Others are more amenable to verbal treatment, which doesn't necessarily make them any less strange.

The Economist

But now that daughter is 12, in the sixth grade; her body seems less strange.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less strange" to subtly compare two situations or items, implying a reduction in oddity without necessarily suggesting complete normalcy.

Common error

Avoid using "less strange" when you mean to convey that something is not strange at all. Opt for phrases like "normal" or "ordinary" instead. "Less strange" is comparative and implies a relative reduction, not a complete absence, of strangeness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less strange" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun by indicating a reduced degree of strangeness relative to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its common and correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Books

14%

Arts

12%

Less common in

Tech

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less strange" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative adjective phrase. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to indicate a reduction in the degree of strangeness, implying that something is becoming more familiar or acceptable. With a neutral register, it's suitable for various contexts, most notably news and media. When using "less strange", ensure it's applied in a comparative sense, rather than an absolute statement of normalcy. Alternatives such as "more familiar" or "less unusual" can provide subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less unusual

Uses a synonym for "strange" in the comparison.

not as odd

Rephrases the comparison directly, focusing on the absence of oddity.

not as peculiar

Directly compares by highlighting the absence of peculiarity.

less weird

Employs a more informal synonym for "strange".

more familiar

Focuses on increased familiarity rather than reduced strangeness.

more ordinary

Emphasizes a shift towards commonness instead of diminished strangeness.

more typical

Highlights typicality as opposed to reduced strangeness.

more commonplace

Indicates a rise in common occurrence, differing from lessening strangeness.

more conventional

Stresses adherence to norms, unlike a decrease in strangeness.

somewhat normal

Highlights a degree of normalcy instead of reduced oddity.

FAQs

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

You can use "less strange" to compare the level of strangeness between two things, suggesting one is not as odd as the other. For example, "The dream seemed "less strange" after I understood its symbolism".

What are some alternatives to saying "less strange"?

Alternatives include "more familiar", "more ordinary", or "less unusual", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less strange"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Less" is used as a comparative adjective with "strange", indicating a lower degree of strangeness.

What's the difference between "less strange" and "not strange"?

"Less strange" implies a comparison, suggesting something is still somewhat odd but not as much as something else. "Not strange" implies that something is completely normal or ordinary.