less true

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less true" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the truthfulness or accuracy of two statements or ideas, indicating that one is not as true as the other. Example: "While the first claim was accurate, the second one was less true and lacked supporting evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's much less true today.

The New York Times

Now, that is less true.

The New York Times

This is less true today.

The Economist

Today that's less true.

Harvard Business Review

That has never been less true.

The Economist

But that is much less true today.

The New York Times

This is no less true today.

The New York Times - Books

That is less true in Europe.

The New York Times

That is less true now.

The New York Times

Neither could be less true.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Nothing could be less true".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less true" to indicate a relative decrease in truthfulness, rather than an absolute falsehood. For example, "The statement is less true now than it was five years ago."

Common error

Avoid using "less true" when something is unequivocally false. It's more appropriate when comparing relative degrees of truth or accuracy. For example, instead of saying "The rumour is less true," say "The rumour is false."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less true" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a statement or concept, indicating that it possesses a lower degree of truthfulness compared to something else. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in contrasting past and present states or comparing different perspectives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less true" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express a comparative degree of truthfulness. According to Ludwig, the phrase appears frequently in news and academic contexts. When writing, remember that the phrase is useful for showing a nuanced assessment of accuracy and for comparing past states with present situations. Using alternatives such as "less accurate" or "less valid" can help to emphasize the specific aspect of truthfulness you wish to convey. The Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is used correctly and is suitable for expressing a relative decrease in accuracy rather than stating something as completely false.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less correct

Indicates a lower degree of factual accuracy.

less accurate

Indicates a lower degree of accuracy or precision.

less truthful

Highlights a deficiency in honesty or veracity.

less genuine

Highlights a deficiency in authenticity.

less authentic

Implies a diminished sense of originality or legitimacy.

less valid

Suggests a weaker logical or legal foundation.

less realistic

Indicates a reduced alignment with practical possibilities.

less real

Implies a diminished sense of authenticity or tangibility.

less applicable

Indicates a lower degree of relevance or suitability.

less substantial

Suggests a weaker factual basis or importance.

FAQs

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

You can use "less true" to express that something was once correct, but now it isn't entirely or even at all, or when comparing how true two different things are. For example, "What was once the case is now "less true"."

What are some alternatives to saying "less true"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "less accurate", "less valid", or "less correct". Consider the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less true"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "less true". It is used to compare the degree of truthfulness between two or more things.

What's the difference between "less true" and "false"?

"Less true" implies a matter of degree, suggesting something is not entirely accurate or truthful, but may contain some element of truth. "False" indicates something is entirely untrue.