less suggestive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less suggestive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the suggestiveness of two or more things, indicating that one is not as suggestive as the other. Example: "The new advertising campaign is less suggestive than the previous one, focusing more on product features."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

She wears a flamboyant dress, and it seems to be falling off one shoulder, looking less suggestive than awkward.

The New York Times - Books

The title of the book, the first in the series, Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging, is now a less suggestive Perfect Snogging.

The Guardian

Yet, intriguingly, the overall effect here is less suggestive of the wacky disorientations of dada and surrealism than of some kind of yearning nostalgia.

The Guardian - Arts

No less suggestive is Edward John Poynter's large 1882 watercolor "The Queen of Sheba's Visit to King Solomon," which is in this show.

The New York Times - Arts

The quartet Pretty Ricky, on the other hand, figured the audience members were ready for something a little less suggestive and a little more demonstrative.

The New York Times

"They were fighting me constantly and kept adding more and more wetness" to the image, Ms. Minter added, until finally the water looked less suggestive.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

After the video was released, MTV commented on the video being the new version of "The Way You Make Me Feel" saying, "..and the choreography does use a few of Jackson's less-suggestive moves".

Wikipedia

That ability is far less socially suggestive, and it's deployed for the dreariest of reasons, allowing our hero to vanish to a speck and then to reappear in mid-combat.

The New Yorker

But they are less relentlessly suggestive of members of the armed forces, their carryings-on aren't as frenetic, and Ms. Essenhigh has brightened and varied her corrupted palette.

The New York Times - Arts

The present study showed that VES 3 or less was highly suggestive of benign thyroid nodule whereas VES 4 or greater was highly suggestive of malignant thyroid nodule.

BioMed Research International

Academics have looked at correlations between the prevalence of coffee shops against deprivation and crime, noting that more coffee shops coincided with less crime – highly suggestive of gentrification.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a "less suggestive" tone, consider using descriptive language that focuses on concrete details rather than abstract or emotionally charged terms. This can help to reduce ambiguity and prevent unintended interpretations.

Common error

Avoid substituting directness with a string of vague euphemisms in an attempt to be "less suggestive". This can often result in confusing or comical writing. Instead, focus on clarity and precision while remaining respectful of the subject matter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less suggestive" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating a lower degree of suggestiveness compared to something else. Ludwig confirms this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

24%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less suggestive" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to indicate a lower degree of implication or hinting. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively softens or diminishes directness in communication. It is prevalent in News & Media, Science, and Academia due to its neutral register and need for precision. When aiming for a "less suggestive" tone, prioritize concrete details over abstract terms. While euphemisms can seem helpful, clarity is crucial. Alternatives like "more subtle" and "more restrained" can provide nuance. The phrase serves to temper implications, which makes it particularly useful in professional and formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more subtle

Emphasizes a reduced intensity or obviousness.

less explicit

Focuses on a decrease in directness or openness.

more implicit

Highlights the use of indirect cues or implications.

not as obvious

Stresses the lack of immediate clarity or visibility.

more understated

Indicates a deliberate downplaying of significance or intensity.

more restrained

Implies a controlled or suppressed quality.

more subdued

Suggests a toned-down or muted effect.

more delicate

Focuses on refinement and sensitivity.

less forward

Indicates a reduction in boldness or assertiveness.

more nuanced

Highlights the presence of subtle distinctions and complexities.

FAQs

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

The phrase "less suggestive" is used to indicate that something implies or hints at something else to a smaller degree. For example, "The revised marketing campaign was designed to be "more subtle" and therefore less suggestive of overt consumerism."

What is a good alternative to "less suggestive"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "less suggestive" include "more implicit", "more restrained", or "more understated". Each of these options offers a slightly different nuance while conveying a similar reduction in direct implication.

What does it mean when something is described as "less suggestive"?

When something is described as "less suggestive", it means it offers fewer hints or implications about something else compared to a previous state or another object. The level of inference needed from the audience is reduced.

Is it better to be "less suggestive" or "more suggestive" in professional writing?

In professional writing, being "less suggestive" is often preferred for clarity and directness. While suggestion has its place, overt hinting can be seen as unprofessional or confusing. This depends greatly on context and audience, but in general, clarity should be the priority.