less usual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less usual" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not commonly encountered or is relatively rare compared to other things. Example: "The restaurant offers a less usual selection of dishes that you won't find in typical eateries."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some are typical and others less usual.

Ocean Engineering

Several less usual suspects, too, rise to the occasion.

The New York Times - Arts

Less usual is for that pastor to be a billionaire.

Independent

Balance disorders are common in adult patients but less usual in the pediatric population.

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology

Some less usual applications of IR and Raman techniques to oxide catalysis are also briefly reviewed.

Catalysis Today

Less usual is the inclusion of classical music in narrative theatre.

The Times

On earthenware, a factory mark is much less usual than on porcelain.

Britannica

Coaching aimed at improving the performance of people who are already professionals is less usual.

The New Yorker

They are less usual when waiting to hear a religious preacher.

The Economist

The phrase is less usual in UK, but most people get it.

The Guardian

Beginning with three more or less usual suspects, they ended in a colony-wide epidemic.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less usual", ensure the context clearly establishes what is considered the 'usual' to provide a clear contrast for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "less usual" when describing something that is extremely rare. Instead, opt for phrases like "rare" or "unprecedented" to accurately reflect the infrequency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less usual" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes something as being not as common or typical as something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

29%

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less usual" serves to describe something that deviates from the norm, albeit not drastically. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It is frequently found in both news and scientific contexts, suggesting its versatility. While alternatives like "less common" or "more rare" exist, "less usual" provides a specific comparison to what is considered standard, making it a precise choice for certain situations. Remember to ensure clarity by establishing what the 'usual' is when employing this phrase. Overall, "less usual" is a valuable tool for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less common

This alternative emphasizes the lower frequency of occurrence.

more rare

This alternative focuses on the scarcity of the subject.

not typical

This highlights the deviation from the norm.

unconventional

This suggests a departure from established customs or norms.

atypical

This emphasizes the non-representative nature of something.

infrequent

This indicates that something occurs rarely.

out of the ordinary

This phrase suggests something exceptional or remarkable.

unfamiliar

This refers to something not well-known or commonly experienced.

uncharacteristic

This describes something not typical of a particular person, thing, or place.

exceptional

This emphasizes the uniqueness or superiority of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "less usual" to describe something that is not commonly encountered. For example, "The restaurant offers a "less usual" selection of dishes."

What's a good alternative to "less usual"?

Alternatives to "less usual" include "less common", "more rare", or "not typical", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "less usual" or "more unusual"?

The phrase "less usual" is generally preferred when indicating something is not as common as something else. "More unusual" is acceptable but implies a greater degree of deviation from the norm. Choosing between "less usual" and "more unusual" depends on the level of rarity you wish to express.

How does "less usual" compare to "uncommon" in meaning?

"Less usual" and "uncommon" are similar, but "less usual" suggests a direct comparison to what is considered 'usual', while "uncommon" simply indicates that something is not frequently encountered.