less well received

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less well received" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that was not accepted or appreciated as much as something else. Example: "The sequel to the popular movie was less well received by critics compared to the original."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

(1851) was even less well received.

Britannica

A 1952 drama, "See the Jaguar," was less well received.

The New York Times - Arts

The new songs, however, were often less well received.

The New Yorker

Less well received, it would be fair to say, was Ryan Gilbey's interview with Hugh Jackman.

The Guardian

Other things, like Cardi B's decision to twerk on stage were unexpected and less well received.

The Washington Post

However, Coffee's own stories about women's experiences were less well received.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

But its two big-screen outings in 2008 and 2010, both directed by King, were less well-received.

The Guardian - Film

From Jonathan O'Connell: But outside the doors of his new Pennsylvania Avenue installation, the Republican nominee was less well-received.

The Washington Post

He's had a movie outing already in 2003 with Ben Affleck as Daredevil, but it was one of the less well-received entries in the Marvel canon.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Nick Bubb, a retail analyst, said John Lewis continued to be in a class of its own amid less well-received figures for Tesco, Sainsbury's and Mulberry.

The Guardian - Business

The latter oversaw both 1984's Ghostbusters, which was a huge critical and box office hit, and its less well-received sequel.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less well received", ensure the context clearly indicates what it is being compared to. For example, "The sequel was "less well received" than the original movie."

Common error

Avoid using "less well received" without establishing a clear comparison. It's necessary to specify what the subject is being compared to in order to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less well received" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun to indicate that something was not as favorably accepted or welcomed as something else. Ludwig examples confirm its role in comparative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

32%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less well received" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something was not as favorably accepted as something else. Ludwig confirms that this adjective phrase is often used in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Wiki contexts to draw comparisons. While Ludwig AI indicates its correct usage, remember to provide a clear reference point for the comparison. Alternatives such as "poorly received" or "not as favorably received" can be used depending on the specific context. In essence, mastering the use of "less well received" enhances clarity and precision in comparative writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as favorably received

Replaces "well" with "favorably", emphasizing a lack of positive reception.

poorly received

Simplifies the phrase to a direct statement of negative reception.

met with a lukewarm response

Uses a metaphorical description for a mild or indifferent reception.

suffered from poor reception

Highlights the negative reception as a detrimental factor.

did not resonate well

Focuses on the lack of connection or impact on the audience.

generated a negative reaction

Highlights an adverse response or opposition.

failed to gain traction

Emphasizes the lack of progress or popularity.

didn't go down well

An idiom that indicates something was not liked or approved of.

was not a hit

An informal way of saying something wasn't successful or popular.

was considered unpopular

Directly states the lack of popularity.

FAQs

How can I use "less well received" in a sentence?

You can use "less well received" to compare the reception of two or more things. For example, "The new policy was "less well received" by employees compared to the previous one."

What is a synonym for "less well received"?

Synonyms for "less well received" include "poorly received", "not as favorably received", or "met with a lukewarm response".

Is it grammatically correct to say "less well received"?

Yes, "less well received" is grammatically correct. It's a comparative phrase indicating that something was not as favorably accepted as something else.

What's the difference between "less well received" and "poorly received"?

"Less well received" implies a comparison to something else that was better received, while "poorly received" simply indicates a negative reception without a direct comparison.