less thorny

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less thorny" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, topic, or issue that is less complicated or difficult than another. Example: "The new policy is less thorny than the previous one, making it easier for employees to understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Novation is no less thorny.

The Economist

Mr. Biden played a similar role in talks that averted a government shutdown at the 11th hour, over issues far less thorny than those on the table now.

The New York Times

"Chaos to Couture" refuses to take on either the thorny ideas of punk as praxis or the slightly less thorny idea of beautiful clothes found in unexpected places.

The New Yorker

Given that wave of sympathy, and given the strength of Al Gore's probable Republican rival, Mr Gephardt may make himself less thorny for a while.

The Economist

For Europe, fixing the finances of its two biggest members may prove less thorny than figuring out how to jump-start their growth.

The New York Times

The issues are not much less thorny at Arkansas these days, as the football coach Bobby Petrino's fate is still being mulled after he crashed his reputation along with his motorcycle.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Consequently, an impala's fear of being eaten increases the prevalence of thorny trees in safe areas, and safeguards less-thorny trees in risky areas.

Science Magazine

However, trees are also an important food source for impala, and feeding trials showed that impala prefer trees with fewer thorns, even if these less-thorny trees are better defended with noxious chemicals (3).

Science Magazine

There is, none the less, a thorny grandeur about Lawrence the writer.

The Guardian - Arts

There is no need to resolve this issue here because (EA1) and (EA2) fall prey to another, much less philosophically thorny and controversial problem.

SEP

Syrian artists, exposed to a global audience, "now feel pressure" to cater to nouveau riche Arabs, among others, he said, and they're less concerned about thorny issues of Syrian identity or Syrian politics.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less thorny" to describe situations or issues that have been simplified or made easier to handle. For instance, "Negotiations became less thorny after the initial concessions."

Common error

Avoid using "less thorny" in literal contexts where physical thorns are involved; it's primarily used figuratively to describe abstract challenges or difficulties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less thorny" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun (often an abstract concept like issue, problem, or situation) to indicate a reduction in difficulty or complexity. Ludwig shows that this phrase is commonly used to describe improvements or simplifications.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less thorny" serves as a descriptive adjective phrase, primarily employed to depict a reduction in difficulty or complexity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly within news and media contexts. While often used figuratively, it's important to avoid misinterpreting its meaning in literal contexts. Alternatives such as "less complicated" or "more straightforward" can provide similar clarity. Given its presence in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Economist, it demonstrates a versatile applicability across diverse forms of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less complicated

Focuses on reduced complexity rather than the prickly nature implied by "thorny".

less problematic

Highlights a reduction in issues or difficulties.

less difficult

Emphasizes the reduced level of effort required.

easier to manage

Focuses on the manageability aspect of a situation.

more straightforward

Suggests a direct and uncomplicated approach.

less intricate

Indicates a reduction in detailed or complex elements.

less challenging

Highlights the decrease in difficulty or demanding aspects.

simpler to resolve

Focuses on ease of resolution.

more manageable

Highlights an increased ability to control or handle a situation.

less sensitive

Implies reduced potential for causing offense or difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "less thorny" to describe issues or situations that are now easier to handle. For example, "The revised contract terms made the negotiation "less thorny" than before."

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "less complicated", "more straightforward", or "easier to manage" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "less thorny" in formal writing?

Yes, "less thorny" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing challenges or difficulties in a nuanced way. However, consider whether a more direct term like "less difficult" might be clearer in certain contexts.

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

When something is described as "less thorny", it means it has become easier to deal with or manage. The "thorns" symbolize the challenges and difficulties that have been reduced or removed.