less uncomplicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less uncomplicated" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where you want to indicate something is simpler than "uncomplicated," but it is generally better to avoid it. Example: "The process is less uncomplicated than I initially thought, making it easier to follow."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

He looks a little less uncomplicated now.

The Guardian - Opinion

For far too long, the politics of the relatively uncomplicated two-party system structured both academic and journalistic commentaries on current affairs, each party with its only slightly less uncomplicated class orientation.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, at moderate to high efficacy levels, BSVs avert slightly less uncomplicated cases than PEV, but slightly more severe episodes and deaths (compare Figures 5 and S3 and Figures 7, S4, 8a c, g i).

Plosone

Due to organizational aspects, our experience with the CTDQ up to now is restricted to mothers with a more or less uncomplicated childbirth.

BMC Women's Health

However, since the study population was composed of complicated patients with hypertension and prior history of CHD, diabetes, or organ damage, it is unclear to what extent these findings can be extrapolated to less uncomplicated hypertensive subjects.

Diabetes Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But the drawback is that it needs sophisticated equipment whereas chemical deposition process can be carried out with less expensive and uncomplicated equipment producing minimal waste.

International Nano Letters

Their dynamic creates a perfect foil in Buffy, who up until then was more or less perfect and uncomplicated.

Vice

The infusion may be restarted immediately after uncomplicated, less invasive procedures after ensuring adequate hemostasis.

Critical Care

Drotrecogin alfa (activated) may be restarted immediately after uncomplicated less invasive procedures if adequate haemostasis has been achieved.' [ 8].

Critical Care

By 1998, a hospital stay of 48 hours or less following an uncomplicated, singleton vaginal delivery had become common practice in Ontario.

BMC Family Practice

Odds ratios (ORs), 95% CIs, and p values were calculated to determine differences in demographic variables between severe disease (WNV neuroinvasive disease [WNND], which included encephalitis, meningoencephalitis, and meningitis) and less severe disease (uncomplicated WNV fever).

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of using the phrase "less uncomplicated", opt for clearer and more direct alternatives such as "simpler", "more complex", or "more straightforward" depending on the intended meaning.

Common error

Be cautious of using double negatives like "less uncomplicated" as they can confuse the reader and obscure your intended meaning. Rephrase your sentence to use a positive construction for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less uncomplicated" functions as a modifier, intended to describe a state that is somewhat more complex than being completely uncomplicated. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is better to avoid it.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "less uncomplicated" is understandable, it's generally considered non-idiomatic and is better replaced with clearer alternatives such as "simpler", "more complex", or "more straightforward", as Ludwig AI suggests. Its usage appears rarely across scientific and news media contexts. When writing, strive for directness to avoid potential confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less complex

Highlights a lower degree of complexity without the double negative.

simpler

This focuses on ease and lack of complexity.

less straightforward

Indicates a decrease in directness and simplicity.

more involved

This indicates greater participation or complexity.

easier to understand

Focuses on comprehensibility and clarity.

more complex

This is the direct opposite, indicating a higher degree of complexity.

more intricate

Suggests finer details and greater complexity.

more elaborate

Implies greater detail and complexity.

more challenging

Indicates a higher degree of difficulty and complexity.

less refined

Indicates a lack of sophistication or complexity.

FAQs

What does "less uncomplicated" mean?

The phrase "less uncomplicated" is generally intended to mean something is slightly more complex or involved than something described as "uncomplicated". However, it's an awkward phrasing and can be confusing. Consider alternatives such as "simpler" or "more straightforward".

Is it grammatically correct to say "less uncomplicated"?

While not strictly incorrect, "less uncomplicated" is not considered standard English and is often perceived as awkward. It's better to use more direct and common alternatives for clarity.

What can I say instead of "less uncomplicated"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "simpler", "more complex", "easier", or "more difficult".

How can I avoid using confusing phrases like "less uncomplicated"?

To avoid such phrases, focus on expressing your meaning directly. If something is not entirely uncomplicated, consider whether it is actually "complex", "involved", or simply "challenging".