less substantial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less substantial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not as significant, important, or solid as something else. Example: "The evidence presented in the case was less substantial than what was expected, leading to doubts about the defendant's guilt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Her summer wear is far less substantial.

The New York Times - Travel

Woit's book is both less substantial and less accessible.

The New York Times - Books

We look less substantial every day, in his eyes.

The Guardian - Arts

"Today" also taught him at least one less substantial lesson.

The New York Times - Sports

In fact, it is Cream's theoretically less substantial material that stands up best four decades on.

The Guardian - Music

Contemporary fiction by women is often perceived as less substantial than that by men.

The Guardian - Books

Interviews with Junior's surviving sons are less substantial but viscerally charged.

The New York Times - Arts

As Wiltshire explains: "Even those who deal in less substantial wagers did their brains.

The Guardian - Sport

The official said there was less substantial evidence showing that other hijackers trained at the camps.

The New York Times

The company's in-house research institute, the B.D.I., was also less substantial than it sounded.

The New Yorker

The critical consensus on Pamuk is undeniably strong, that on Shafak far less substantial.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two elements, use "less substantial" to highlight the one with a weaker or smaller presence. For example, "The second argument was less substantial than the first."

Common error

Avoid using "less substantial" when simply describing something without comparison. Instead of saying "The building was less substantial", consider more direct descriptors like "The building was flimsy" if you are not explicitly comparing it to something else.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less substantial" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating a lower degree of substance, significance, or impact compared to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less substantial" functions as a comparative adjective phrase used to indicate a lower degree of significance, impact, or materiality. Ludwig AI data shows that the phrase is commonly used across various contexts, including news, science, and formal writing. Alternatives include phrases like ""less significant"" and ""less important"", offering similar meanings with slight nuances. When using "less substantial", ensure it is used in comparative contexts rather than absolute descriptions to avoid misuse. The phrase is generally accepted as grammatically correct and is a valuable tool for expressing relative differences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less significant

Emphasizes a reduced level of importance or consequence.

less important

Highlights a lower degree of relevance or necessity.

less considerable

Focuses on a smaller amount or degree.

less material

Suggests a decrease in physical substance or tangibility.

less weighty

Implies a reduction in burden or seriousness.

less pronounced

Indicates a weaker or less distinct manifestation.

less intense

Highlights a reduction in strength or force.

less impressive

Focuses on a diminished impact or effect.

weaker

A more direct term for a decreased strength or influence.

slighter

Implies a small degree or amount of something.

FAQs

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

Use "less substantial" to describe something that is not as significant, solid, or important as something else. Example: "The evidence presented was "less substantial" than expected."

What are some alternatives to "less substantial"?

You can use alternatives like "less significant", "less important", or "less considerable" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "more un-substantial" instead of "less substantial"?

While "unsubstantial" means lacking substance, "more unsubstantial" is not a common or grammatically preferred construction. It is better to use ""less substantial"".

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

"Less substantial" refers more to a lack of physical or material substance or impact, whereas ""less significant"" refers to a lower degree of importance or consequence. They can be used interchangeably in some contexts but not all.