less valid

USAGE SUMMARY

"less valid" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is not as valid or reliable as something else. Example sentence: "The results of the study were less valid than expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This choice does not reduce the validity of our conclusions less valid; rather, it allows comparisons conditional on study completions.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

It's no less valid.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They are no less valid.

The Guardian - Books

Yet there is another, less valid, reason.

The New York Times - Health

It's hardly original, but no less valid.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet that does not make his work less valid.

The Guardian - Books

Do you think any of these reactions is more or less valid than another?

The New York Times

Given this mission, pasta dishes and risottos are no less valid for being obvious.

The Guardian - Travel

Is the artwork any less valid in this very comfortable and privileged setting?

The New York Times

Still, profound joy and tenderness are no less valid emotions than sorrow.

The New York Times - Arts

That the two issues should not be conflated should not make either any less valid.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less valid", ensure you clarify what the subject is being compared to, providing a clear basis for assessing its reduced validity.

Common error

Avoid using "less valid" when "invalid" or "incorrect" would be more accurate. Using "less valid" implies some degree of validity still exists. Choose your words carefully for accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less valid" functions as a comparative adjective, typically used to describe something that has a weaker degree of validity than something else. Ludwig's examples illustrate its application in various contexts, from academic research to media commentary.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less valid" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express a comparative judgment about the strength or reliability of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, its prevalence spans across diverse contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Academia. When employing "less valid", it's essential to provide a clear comparison and ensure the phrase accurately reflects the degree of invalidity. Alternatives like "less legitimate" or "less reliable" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less legitimate

Suggests something lacks authorization or acceptance.

less justifiable

Implies something is harder to defend or rationalize.

less defensible

Similar to justifiable but focuses on the ability to withstand criticism.

less sound

Indicates a weaker foundation or reasoning.

less credible

Focuses on the lack of believability or trustworthiness.

less convincing

Emphasizes the failure to persuade or impress.

less reliable

Highlights the lack of consistency or dependability.

less accurate

Indicates the presence of errors or deviations from the truth.

less well-founded

Suggests a lack of solid evidence or basis.

of dubious validity

Raises questions about the truthfulness or reliability of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "less valid" to compare the reliability or justification of two or more things. For example, "His argument was "less valid" after the new evidence came to light".

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

Depending on the context, alternatives to "less valid" include "less legitimate", "less justifiable", or "less reliable".

Is it better to say "less valid" or "invalid"?

The choice depends on the situation. "Invalid" means something is completely without basis or merit, while "less valid" suggests a relative deficiency in soundness or justification compared to something else.

What makes a claim "less valid"?

A claim might be "less valid" due to factors like weaker evidence, logical fallacies, or conflicting information. The claim still might have some merit but is not as strong or convincing as it could be.