less unusual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less unusual" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not as strange or uncommon as something else. Example: "The weather this winter has been less unusual compared to last year's extreme conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is becoming a less unusual arrangement.

The New York Times

Well, 'Oklahoma!' isn't any less unusual or demanding".

The New York Times

Suddenly, an $11.9 million pay package looks less unusual.

The New York Times

Ms. Quinn also said she considered herself a recovering alcoholic, which is a less unusual distinction.

The New York Times

Having taken its populist turn, the Netherlands is now perhaps a less unusual country.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She was notably Larger than everybody else in the family, also Less Unusual, also measurably Dumber.

The New Yorker

Tumours with cells that have a less unusual appearance have a much better prognosis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On the block The Himalayas' open skies ReprintsSoon Vita Needle will be a little less unusual.

The Economist

Such views are less unusual among UK students than you might think.

The Guardian

Less unusual, but equally revealing, are recent issues featuring foods of distant lands.

The New York Times - Arts

There's always been freak weather, but climatologists increasingly think these events are becoming less unusual.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less unusual", ensure the comparison is clear. Specify what it is becoming less unusual compared to, either explicitly or through context. For example, "Working remotely is becoming "less unusual" than it was a decade ago."

Common error

Avoid using "less unusual" when you mean completely ordinary. The phrase implies a shift towards normalcy, not complete assimilation. If something is now completely standard, use "common" or "typical" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less unusual" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a reduced degree of uncommonness or peculiarity. As Ludwig confirms, the expression is perfectly grammatical and suitable for use in writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less unusual" is a versatile phrase used to describe something that is becoming more common or ordinary. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted. Its frequent appearance in news and media suggests a neutral register, while the linguistic analysis confirms its function as a comparative adjective phrase. When using this phrase, be mindful of the comparison you are making and the degree of change you wish to convey. Considering alternatives like "more common" or "more typical" can also enrich your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more typical

Replaces the double negative with a positive affirmation of typicality.

more common

Similar to "more typical" but focuses on frequency of occurrence.

increasingly ordinary

Highlights the process of something becoming commonplace over time.

becoming normalized

Emphasizes the social acceptance and integration of something.

less exceptional

Shifts the focus from oddity to the lack of being an exception.

more conventional

Implies adherence to established norms and practices.

less peculiar

Focuses on reducing the sense of strangeness or oddity.

more run-of-the-mill

Suggests that something has become commonplace and unremarkable.

losing its novelty

Highlights the disappearance of the new or interesting quality.

more standard

Focuses on conformity to a required or expected level of quality.

FAQs

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

Use "less unusual" to describe something that is becoming more common or ordinary than it once was. For example, "Wearing casual clothes to work is becoming "less unusual"."

What can I say instead of "less unusual"?

You can use alternatives like "more common", "more typical", or "increasingly ordinary" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "less unusual" or "more usual"?

Both ""less unusual"" and "more usual" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Less unusual" implies a decrease in strangeness, while "more usual" suggests an increase in normalcy.

What's the difference between "less unusual" and "not unusual"?

"Less unusual" indicates a comparative change, implying something was once more unusual. "Not unusual" simply states that something is not out of the ordinary, without necessarily implying a prior state of unusualness.