less sugary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less sugary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the sweetness of different foods or drinks, indicating that one has a lower sugar content than another. Example: "I prefer the less sugary option when choosing a beverage, as it is healthier for me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

(Two less sugary scents, Asian green and bamboo, will be introduced next month).

The New York Times

Likely to be more subtle and less sugary than it sounds.

The Guardian - Film

As consumers have drifted away from soda to less sugary beverages, tea sales have boomed.

The New York Times

So it was smart of him to suggest that he had a less sugary, more graphic side.

The New York Times

Thorntons has struggled to adapt to changing tastes as they shift towards darker chocolate and less sugary flavours.

The Guardian - Business

Although consumers seem to be switching to less sugary beverages, "there is still good demand," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

By taxing sugary beverages, price sensitive customers are likely to substitute their soda with less sugary-alternatives, hopefully leading to less obesity and lower medical costs.

Huffington Post

Expected behavioral outcomes in youth include reduced energy-dense food intake including less sugary-sweetened beverages, increased intake of vegetable and whole grain servings, increased daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, reduced sedentary media screen time, and improved sleep time (i.e. closer to suggested amounts of 9 h per night).

BMC Public Health

This kitchen likes sweet, and when it can, it makes, with more or less success, sugary additions with pineapple, mango, molasses, miso or honey.

The New York Times

To reintroduce and redeem it as something less blandly sugary and fizzy — as something nobler and better — than what most of us typically encounter is the mission he has taken on, and who better for it?

The New York Times - Food

Some illustrative quotes follow: You must listen to your doctor, remember to take your medication, and be conscious of what you eat and drink – that means, less salty, sugary and fatty foods, no smoking or alcohol, perhaps consider changing the things you eat to have a lower GI level, for example, eat brown or red rice instead of white rice, and consume less meat.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing dietary choices or product comparisons, use "less sugary" to clearly communicate a reduction in sugar content. For example, "Opt for the less sugary cereal to start your day with a healthier breakfast."

Common error

Avoid using "less sugary" when you actually mean "unsweetened" or "sugar-free". "Less sugary" implies a reduced amount of sugar, while "unsweetened" means no sugar has been added.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less sugary" functions primarily as an adjective phrase used to describe a noun (e.g., a food item or beverage) that contains a reduced amount of sugar compared to another item or a standard expectation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly and correctly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

21%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less sugary" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjective phrase that describes items with a reduced sugar content. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is prevalent in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts. When using "less sugary", ensure it accurately reflects a reduction in sugar, not a complete absence. Consider using alternatives like "lower in sugar" or "not as sweet" to provide more nuance. By understanding its proper usage and potential alternatives, you can communicate more effectively about healthier choices and dietary considerations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lower in sugar

Emphasizes the reduced quantity of sugar.

with reduced sugar

Highlights the action of reducing sugar content.

not as sweet

Focuses on the taste experience, implying less sweetness.

containing less sugar

Directly states the diminished sugar presence.

with a lower sugar level

Specifies a reduced level of sugar.

sugar-reduced

A concise, hyphenated alternative.

lightly sweetened

Emphasizes a minimal amount of sweetening.

with minimal sugar

Highlights that only a small amount of sugar is present.

unsweetened

Indicates a complete absence of added sugar.

sugar-free

Indicates a complete absence of sugar.

FAQs

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

You can use "less sugary" to compare products or describe dietary choices. For instance, "I chose the "less sugary" drink option for my child."

What's a good alternative to saying "less sugary"?

Alternatives include "lower in sugar", "not as sweet", or "with reduced sugar", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less sugary"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Less" is used to compare uncountable nouns, and "sugary" functions as an adjective describing the item.

What is the difference between "less sugary" and "sugar-free"?

"Less sugary" indicates a reduction in sugar content compared to something else, while "sugar-free" means there is no sugar present at all. A "less sugary" product still contains some sugar, whereas a "sugar-free" one does not.