less wide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less wide" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a smaller width compared to another object or reference point. Example: "The new table is less wide than the old one, making it a better fit for the small dining area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

The area is less wide than a city sidewalk.

The New York Times

The ordinary usage of the term is clearly less wide.

Britannica

The H2 is shorter than the Lexus 470, and less wide than the Lincoln Navigator.

The New York Times

Others complain the prices are higher than at the chain stores, and the selection less wide.

The New York Times

While his smile was a little less wide, at least it was still on his face.

The Guardian - Sport

What if the sole were just a millimeter less wide on those McNairy shoes?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

I'm less wide-eyed and less desperate for applause.

The New York Times

I was surprised in my touring that anti-Stratfordianism is far less wide-spread than I'd feared.

The New Yorker

The bill now heads for conference with the House, which passed a less wide-ranging measure last fall.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

What we said: "There is a certain amount of teenage hand-wringing here, but some other less wide-eyed insight, too," ran the Guardian's review.

The Guardian - Music

Tomic reacted to the news at first like a neophyte ("I can't believe I'm playing him!") but rapidly adopted a less wide-eyed tone.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing widths, specify the objects being compared to ensure clarity. For example, "The new shelf is "less wide" than the old one".

Common error

Avoid using "less wide" when "narrower" is a more direct and appropriate synonym, especially when describing physical dimensions. "Less wide" is best when comparing abstract concepts like scope or range.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less wide" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to indicate that one thing has a smaller width than another. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in comparing physical dimensions and abstract concepts such as scope or range.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less wide" is a versatile comparative, primarily used to describe something having a smaller width or scope compared to something else. As supported by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts including news, science, and general writing. When describing physical dimensions, synonyms like "narrower" or "thinner" might be more appropriate. It's most effective when specifying what is being compared. While “less wide” can be applied to both tangible objects and abstract concepts, clarity and precision are key to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

narrower

A direct synonym indicating a smaller width.

not as wide

A simple rephrasing conveying the same meaning.

smaller in width

More explicit about the dimension being compared.

less broad

Uses a different adjective to describe width.

more compact

Suggests a reduction in size, including width.

thinner

Implies a smaller dimension, suitable for flat objects.

more restricted

Focuses on limiting the scope or extent.

more confined

Suggests a tighter or more limited space.

diminished in breadth

A more formal and literary way to express reduced width.

of reduced scope

Emphasizes the limitation of range or extent.

FAQs

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

You can use "less wide" to compare the width of two objects, such as: "This table is "less wide" than that one" or to describe a reduction in scope, for example, "The investigation became "less wide" in scope after new evidence emerged".

What's a simple alternative to "less wide"?

A simple alternative to "less wide" is "narrower". It directly indicates a smaller width.

Is it always appropriate to use "less wide" to describe physical dimensions?

While grammatically correct, "less wide" might not always be the most concise choice for physical dimensions. Words like "narrower" or "thinner" may be more appropriate, depending on the object.

Can I use "less wide" to describe abstract concepts?

Yes, "less wide" can effectively describe abstract concepts. For example, you can say that a certain approach has a "more confined" scope, or that a certain law has a "more restricted" application than another, using the term "less wide".