less tough than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less tough than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the toughness or difficulty of two things, indicating that one is not as tough as the other. Example: "This fabric is less tough than the one we used last season, making it more comfortable to wear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

But it is less tough than it seems.

The New York Times

However, maybe just a little less tough than other occupations".

The Guardian - Opinion

HVOF-sprayed cermet coatings are harder but less tough than EHC ones.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Although toughened ceramics are far less tough than metals, they represent a vast improvement over conventional ceramics and glass.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We also tested the individual bony layers, which we found was about four times less tough than the collagen layer because of its higher mineralization.

Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials

"It was less tough than in 2009 [when his parents separated and his tennis lurched this way and that].

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

But lawyers whinge that the federal courts are generally kinder (or less tough) on defendants than places like Madison County.

The Economist

The famous 1945 fable is, of course, George Orwell's take on what he called "the Soviet myth" of the Bolshevik Revolution and its corruption of the ideal of Communism, but his other writings as a whole are less tough on Napoleon/Stalin than on left-wing Western apologists for the dictator and his regime.

The New York Times

In other ways, Mr. Clarke has been less tough on the industry than other regulators.

The New York Times

Oscar too often overlooks comedic performances, somehow seen as less tough to pull off than dramatic ones, and that's a mistake.

The New York Times

Rubio's Democratic opponents have argued there would be no citizenship under his administration and, along with progressive immigration advocates, labeled the Floridian no less tough on the issue than Trump and Cruz.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when using "less tough than". It is suitable for comparing physical attributes, challenges, or emotional resilience between two subjects.

Common error

Avoid using "less tough than" when describing a single item without a point of comparison. For example, instead of saying "This task is less tough than before", specify what it is less tough than: "This task is less tough than I expected."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less tough than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to indicate that one thing possesses a lower degree of toughness compared to another. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of this construction, supported by various examples across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less tough than" serves as a comparative adjective phrase to describe a lower degree of difficulty, resilience, or strength. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources. When using "less tough than", ensure a clear comparison between two subjects is established to avoid ambiguity. While versatile, considering the context is key for optimal communication. It's important to be aware of common mistakes such as the misuse in absolute statements. Alternative phrasing such as "not as difficult as", "easier than", and "not so challenging as" can also be considered for nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as difficult as

Replaces "tough" with "difficult", offering a more general comparison of challenge.

easier than

Focuses on the reduced effort required, rather than the resilience needed.

not so challenging as

Substitutes "tough" with "challenging", softening the comparison.

not quite as robust as

Emphasizes physical strength and durability rather than general difficulty.

not as resilient as

Highlights the capacity to recover from difficulties, changing the scope.

simpler than

Indicates a lack of complexity rather than a reduction in toughness.

less demanding than

Shifts the focus to the requirements imposed, not the inherent difficulty.

milder than

Suggests a gentler experience, changing the tone of the comparison.

not as strenuous as

Focuses on the physical exertion involved, offering a different perspective.

more manageable than

Highlights the ease of handling, altering the emphasis of the comparison.

FAQs

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

Use "less tough than" to compare the relative difficulty or resilience required by two different things. For instance, "The new exam was "less tough than" the previous one."

What are some alternatives to "less tough than"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "not as difficult as", "easier than", or "not so challenging as".

Is it grammatically correct to say "less tough than"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use "less tough than" when comparing two things. It follows the standard comparative structure using "less" + adjective + "than".

What's the difference between "less tough than" and "not as tough as"?

While both phrases are similar, "less tough than" implies a degree of difference, whereas "not as tough as" simply indicates that one is not equal in toughness to the other. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the degree of difference or simply state a comparison.