less vehemently

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less vehemently" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a manner of speaking or expressing an opinion with less intensity or passion than usual. Example: "During the debate, she argued less vehemently than her opponent, focusing instead on calm reasoning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Others faculty members interviewed responded less vehemently, although there were raised eyebrows.

The New York Times

They note that Peru protested less vehemently when Argentina, its alleged ally, sold arms to Ecuador during the war.

The Economist

But Democrats, noting that the Cuban-American community is younger and less vehemently anti-Castro, sense an opening.

The New York Times

Asked once again to rate their views, they ratcheted down the intensity, so that they either agreed or disagreed less vehemently.

The New Yorker

Anyway, Mr Krugman's signal lack of charity and gross oversimplification in the following passage from last week offers grist for less vehemently partisan analysis of the state of American public opinion and discourse.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

As a counterpoint, our (much less geeky) intern Eliza vehemently disagrees with me — according to her, it's much too angular and looks like a business card.

TechCrunch

As a buyer there is now less of a feeling that you are being vehemently encouraged to up the price you are prepared to pay.

The Guardian - Business

Understandably, Cakes vehemently insists that his success has less to do with his sexuality, and everything to do with his talent and hard work.

Vice

When I point out that Midler, too, has consistently presented a subversive, albeit less overtly sexual, sensibility, especially in her live shows, she vehemently disagrees.

The New York Times - Magazine

Nestle vehemently defends its operations, stating that they withdraw less than 1percentt of the available groundwater in the Kawkawa Lake aquifer.

Vice

However I cannot associate myself with your point of view, much less with that expressed by Bertrand Russell [who at this point was vehemently anti-communist].

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for nuanced communication, use "less vehemently" to convey a tempered stance, signalling reduced intensity without complete abandonment of conviction. This helps maintain credibility while avoiding alienating others.

Common error

Avoid using "less vehemently" in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "not as strongly" or "more softly" to maintain a natural and approachable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less vehemently" functions as an adverbial modifier, describing the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates a reduction in the intensity or forcefulness of an action, typically related to expressing an opinion or disagreement. As Ludwig AI explains, it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less vehemently" is a grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to describe a tempered expression of opinion or disagreement. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, the phrase's relatively low frequency suggests it may not always be the most natural choice. Its usage is primarily confined to news and media contexts, indicating a formal or neutral register. When choosing between "less vehemently" and alternative phrases such as "with less intensity" or "more softly", consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and the context of your writing. Employing "less vehemently" allows writers to indicate the action without making a strong stance on it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with less intensity

Focuses on the reduced level of intensity, rather than the forcefulness of expression.

not as strongly

Emphasizes a weaker degree of conviction or force.

more softly

Indicates a gentler, less aggressive manner.

with diminished passion

Highlights the reduced emotional investment in the expression.

with less fervor

Similar to "passion", but focuses on enthusiasm and zeal.

more mildly

Suggests a gentler and more temperate approach.

less emphatically

Focuses on a reduced level of emphasis or stress.

with less conviction

Highlights the decreased certainty or belief in the statement.

more tentatively

Implies a hesitant and uncertain manner of expression.

with restraint

Focuses on self-control and moderation in expression.

FAQs

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

You can use "less vehemently" to describe someone expressing disagreement or opposition with reduced intensity. For example, "He argued his point "less vehemently" after considering the new evidence."

What are some alternatives to "less vehemently"?

Alternatives include phrases like "with less intensity", "not as strongly", or "more softly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "less vehemently" in formal writing?

Yes, "less vehemently" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in news reporting or academic analysis where a nuanced description of someone's stance is required. However, consider your audience and whether a simpler phrase might be more effective.

What's the difference between "less vehemently" and "opposed"?

"Opposed" simply indicates disagreement, while "less vehemently" describes the manner in which the disagreement is expressed. Someone can be opposed to something but express their opposition "less vehemently" to avoid conflict or appear more reasonable.