less than independence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less than independence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state or condition that is not fully independent, often in contexts discussing autonomy or self-sufficiency. Example: "The new policy grants employees less than independence in their decision-making processes, requiring them to seek approval for major actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Serbia's leaders say Kosovo can have "more than autonomy, less than independence".

The Economist

Some 90% of the population consists of ethnic Albanians who demand nothing less than independence.

The Economist

Serbia's leaders say they will accept "more than autonomy but less than independence".

The Economist

On top of that, the Free Aceh Movement will accept nothing less than independence.

The Economist

Cripps's mission failed, however, for Gandhi would accept nothing less than independence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Over 1.8m of the Serbian province's 2m people are ethnic Albanians who will settle for nothing less than independence.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It must ultimately rest on whether the UK can supply social justice more or less reliably than independence can.

The Guardian - Opinion

Of its 2m people more than 90% are ethnic Albanians who want nothing less than full independence.

The Economist

Customized Discounts For innovation champions, titles matter far less than their independence, breadth of knowledge and corporate clout, experts say.

The New York Times

The province's Albanian majority retort that nothing less than full independence will do for Kosovo's 2m people, more than 90% of whom are ethnic Albanians.

The Economist

Both verdicts would reflect a peculiar alliance between nationalists demanding nothing less than full independence and conservatives defending the status quo.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider context when using this phrase; it's particularly apt when contrasting levels of autonomy or discussing negotiations and compromises in sovereignty.

Common error

Avoid using "less than independence" when the entity in question has virtually no self-governance; it can mislead readers into thinking there is more freedom than actually exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less than independence" functions as a descriptor modifying a noun or pronoun. It specifies a state or condition that falls short of complete sovereignty or self-governance. This phrase is often used in political contexts, as evidenced by the examples Ludwig provides.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less than independence" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a state that is not fully independent, often in political contexts. As Ludwig shows, the phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources. It's important to use this phrase accurately, avoiding overstatements of actual autonomy. Consider alternatives like "partial autonomy" or "limited self-determination" for nuanced meaning. While not exceptionally common, the usage is well-supported and conveys a clear, specific meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not fully sovereign

Directly states the lack of complete authority.

conditional independence

Indicates that independence is subject to certain terms or limitations.

partial autonomy

Focuses on the degree of self-governance.

limited self-determination

Highlights restrictions on a group's ability to choose its own future.

constrained autonomy

Highlights that autonomy is limited and not absolute.

quasi-independent

Suggests an appearance of independence without full sovereignty.

dependent status

Emphasizes reliance on another entity.

shared sovereignty

Suggests a division of power and control.

subordinate position

Indicates a lower rank or level of control.

greater autonomy than

Implies existence of some autonomy but compares it to an additional level of it.

FAQs

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

You might say, "Serbia's leaders offered Kosovo "less than independence" but more than autonomy as a potential compromise".

What are some alternatives to "less than independence"?

Consider using phrases like "partial autonomy", "limited self-determination", or "conditional independence" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what context is the phrase "less than independence" typically used?

This phrase often appears in discussions about political negotiations, territorial disputes, and the varying degrees of self-governance granted to regions or groups.

How does "less than independence" differ from "full autonomy"?

"Less than independence" implies some level of external control or influence, while "full autonomy" suggests complete self-governance without external interference.