less than convinced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less than convinced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing doubt or skepticism about a particular idea, statement, or situation. Example: "After hearing the explanation, I was less than convinced that the plan would work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

He sounded less than convinced.

The New Yorker

The country is less than convinced.

The New Yorker

A theatrical producer was less than convinced.

The New York Times

The businessmen look less than convinced.

The Guardian

Her fellow BBC commentator Brendan Foster also sounded less than convinced.

The Guardian - Sport

Dr Adrian Furnham, professor of psychology at University College London, is less than convinced.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

He insisted the certificate was legitimate, but in less-than-convincing terms.

The New York Times

Back and forth the crowd surged, confronted by less-than-convincing police units.

The New York Times

Why don't we start with Hookstead and his less-than-convincing argument that rape culture isn't real?

Huffington Post

His comments, however, were a well-rehearsed if less-than-convincing defense of his own actions leading up to the largest bankruptcy in U.S. history.

Huffington Post

I got so comfortable at one point, I found myself -- at Dylan's good-natured urging, mind you -- acting out his less-than-convincing fight scene with Rupert Everett in Hearts of Fire, a 1987 movie anyone better adjusted than a Dylan completist like me me might have long forgotten.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, be mindful of the context and ensure that your audience understands the nuance of your skepticism. Adding context can clarify the extent of your doubt.

Common error

While "less than convinced" is versatile, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "not buying it" or "I have my doubts" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less than convinced" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a subject. It indicates a state of doubt or a lack of complete belief. The Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less than convinced" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjectival phrase that expresses a state of doubt or mild skepticism. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts, primarily in news and media. While versatile, it’s important to consider the context and choose alternative phrases like "not entirely persuaded" or "somewhat doubtful" in more informal settings. The authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase. Understanding its nuances helps writers to convey skepticism effectively and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not entirely persuaded

Expresses a lack of complete agreement or belief, similar to being not fully convinced.

somewhat doubtful

Indicates a degree of uncertainty or skepticism.

not completely certain

Suggests a lack of full assurance or confidence.

harboring reservations

Implies holding back some doubts or hesitations.

having some misgivings

Indicates a feeling of doubt or apprehension about something.

remaining skeptical

Suggests a continued state of disbelief or questioning.

unassured

Implies a lack of confidence or certainty.

questioning the validity

Directly challenges the truth or accuracy of something.

not buying it

An informal way to express disbelief or rejection of an idea.

taking it with a grain of salt

Suggests not fully believing something without further evidence.

FAQs

How can I use "less than convinced" in a sentence?

You can use "less than convinced" to express doubt or skepticism about something. For example, "After hearing the explanation, I was "less than convinced" that the plan would work".

What are some alternatives to "less than convinced"?

Alternatives include "somewhat doubtful", "not entirely persuaded", or "harboring reservations", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "less than convinced" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "less than convinced" is suitable for formal writing as it conveys skepticism in a polite and understated manner. It's often used in news articles, reports, and academic papers.

What is the difference between "less than convinced" and "unconvinced"?

"Unconvinced" implies a stronger degree of disbelief than "less than convinced". "Less than convinced" suggests a mild skepticism, while "unconvinced" indicates a firmer lack of belief.