less than fundamental

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less than fundamental" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not essential or basic, often in a comparative context. Example: "The changes proposed in the project are less than fundamental and do not address the core issues we face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In an article for the newspaper, he added: "I have been struck by the dozens of Tory MPs who would vote to quit the EU now and who will not settle for anything less than fundamental change".

The Guardian

A wire phantom study shows that CPI-CTHI has a 12 dB lower range side lobe level and a 7 dB higher echo signal to noise ratio than PI-CTHI, while the lateral resolution and side lobe level are 50 μm finer and −3 dB less than fundamental chirp coded excitation imaging respectively.

Ultrasonics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

For those of us worried about the long-term sustainability of the health service, the spread of individual technologies or drugs may seem less important than fundamental improvements in how healthcare is delivered.

The Guardian

Less Than Jake.

WikiHow

Cameron had "promised nothing less than a fundamental renegotiation of Britain's relationship with Europe.

The Guardian

It requires nothing less than a fundamental shift in the way we look at animals and, by extension, ourselves.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Today's decision should be seen as nothing less than a fundamental denial of a basic human right.

The Guardian

Gateway's decision to choose a processor from the Transmeta Corporation, a Silicon Valley start-up company, and to use the Linux operating system for its new Internet appliance represents less than a fundamental change, the skeptics say.

The New York Times

What we are seeing here is no less than a fundamental reimagining of the British left: an organic reworking which rejects the old deferential structures of union-led action and interminable infighting among indistinguishable splinter parties for something far more inclusive and fast-moving.

The Guardian - Opinion

Results from the Nobel Laureate Symposium Series on Global Sustainability also show that nothing less than a fundamental transformation will be needed, where human societies are reconnected with the biosphere to reverse global environmental change and move toward fair and lasting prosperity.

The New York Times

Furthermore, such plates would oscillate with a frequency less than the fundamental frequency for finite small amplitudes of oscillation.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less than fundamental", ensure the comparison is clear. Specify what the subject is less fundamental than to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "less than fundamental" without clearly defining the basis of comparison. Ambiguity can arise if the reader doesn't understand what aspect of fundamentality is being addressed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less than fundamental" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase, used to describe something that is of reduced importance or basic nature when compared to something else. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less than fundamental" is a grammatically sound and usable comparative adjective phrase, primarily employed to express a relative degree of importance or criticality. According to Ludwig, it's suitable for describing something that isn't as essential or basic as something else. While relatively rare in overall usage, as demonstrated by the examples, it finds its place in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the comparison is explicit to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as essential as

Focuses on the aspect of reduced importance.

less crucial than

Emphasizes the diminished criticality.

secondary to

Highlights the subordinate role or position.

not as vital as

Stresses the reduced level of necessity.

of lesser importance than

Directly states the diminished significance.

less significant than

Focuses on the reduced impact or consequence.

not as basic as

Highlights that something is not elementary.

minor compared to

Emphasizes that something is not a priority compared to something else.

of lower priority than

Indicates a reduced degree of precedence.

not paramount compared to

Indicates a reduced relevance.

FAQs

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

Use "less than fundamental" to compare the importance or basic nature of one thing to another. For example, "The proposed changes are "less than fundamental" and do not address the root cause of the problem."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "less than fundamental"?

Alternatives include "not as essential as", "less crucial than", or "secondary to", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "less fundamental than"?

Yes, "less fundamental than" is grammatically correct. It is used to compare the relative importance or basic nature of two things. The structure emphasizes that one item is not as basic or essential as the other.

How does "less fundamental than" differ from "not fundamental at all"?

"Less fundamental than" implies a relative comparison, indicating that something still has some level of basic importance but is not as essential as something else. "Not fundamental at all" suggests that something lacks any basic or essential importance.