less thorough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less thorough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not as detailed or comprehensive as another thing. Example: "The report was less thorough than the previous one, missing several key points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

China's current government has periodically resorted to similar, if less thorough, acts.

The New York Times

"Beyond the Shadow of the Senators" is no less thorough and reliable.

The New York Times - Books

Its findings were in line with earlier and less thorough cost estimates.

The New York Times

The Kaiser foundation's findings confirmed earlier, if less thorough, polls tracking parental attitudes toward sex education.

The New York Times

Conversely, anonymous online surveys take less time, but may be less thorough or reliable.

Yale University

Smaller hoverflies, on the other hand, are less attractive and may receive a less thorough look.

The New York Times - Science

"How to Read a French Fry," while less thorough, is not only good science but also good fun.

The New York Times - Books

Olive-oil fraud continues today, though modern governments are often less thorough and effective than the Romans at preventing it.

The New Yorker

But the Obama Administration's political preparations for a controversial trial were less thorough than those made by previous Administrations.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

A variety of tests are available to employers, who can choose how carefully they want to screen by opting for a more-or-less thorough test.

WikiHow

If I was a less-thorough person, I probably wouldn't be here.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less thorough", ensure it's clear what the subject is being compared to. Providing context helps the reader understand the extent to which something lacks detail or completeness.

Common error

Avoid using "less thorough" without specifying the alternative or standard being used for comparison. For example, instead of saying "The investigation was less thorough", specify "The investigation was less thorough than the previous one" to provide clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less thorough" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating a reduced degree of completeness or detail compared to something else. Ludwig examples show its usage across diverse contexts to describe examinations, investigations, or reviews that are not as exhaustive.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

31%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less thorough" is a grammatically correct and commonly used comparative adjective phrase. According to Ludwig, it indicates a reduced degree of completeness or detail compared to something else. It's versatile, appearing in various contexts from news and media to scientific research. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the alternative or standard being compared. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the specific context and audience. The related phrases and writing guidance provided offer valuable insights into its effective and precise application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less detailed

Focuses on the lack of specific information.

less comprehensive

Emphasizes the limited scope or coverage.

less exhaustive

Highlights the incompleteness of the examination or investigation.

more superficial

Suggests a lack of depth or a surface-level approach.

more cursory

Implies a quick and perfunctory examination.

less rigorous

Indicates a lower standard of strictness or precision.

less meticulous

Highlights a lack of attention to detail.

less scrupulous

Focuses on a lack of conscientiousness.

more perfunctory

Emphasizes the lack of enthusiasm or effort.

more shallow

Suggests a lack of intellectual depth.

FAQs

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

You can use "less thorough" to describe something that lacks detail or completeness, as in, "The second review was "less thorough" than the first, omitting key findings."

What is a good alternative to "less thorough"?

Alternatives to "less thorough" include "less detailed", "less comprehensive", or "more superficial", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "less thorough"?

It's appropriate to use "less thorough" when comparing the depth or completeness of two or more things, such as analyses, investigations, or reviews. Ensure the context makes clear what the comparison is being made against.

What's the difference between "less thorough" and "less exhaustive"?

While both indicate a lack of completeness, "less thorough" suggests a lack of attention to detail and carefulness, whereas "less exhaustive" implies a lack of comprehensiveness. For example, a "less thorough" search might miss key documents while a "less exhaustive" search may not cover all possible locations.