less widespread

USAGE SUMMARY

"less widespread" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English and can be used in a variety of contexts.
For example, you could say, "Although the practice of bartering was once widespread, it is now much less so."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's also less widespread.

Independent

Does that mean racism is less respectable, or less widespread?

The Guardian - Opinion

Its political influence in Baghdad is no less widespread.

The New York Times

Anti-Semitism in Russia still exists, but is much less widespread.

The New York Times

In addition, foreign language learning is much less widespread and effective than in many countries.

The Guardian

Generics makers maintain that the practice is less widespread in Europe.

The New York Times

But the notion of giving to worthy causes is less widespread than in the West.

The New York Times

Yet the bust has been much less widespread than the boom.

The Economist

Experimental and less widespread forms of birth control include an oral contraceptive for men.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In addition, she said, hepatitis B vaccinations of health care workers have made that virus less widespread.

The New York Times - Health

Its preferred food source while a caterpillar is ribwort plantain, which is now far less widespread owing to intensive farming.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less widespread" to accurately describe a phenomenon, belief, or practice that is not as prevalent as it once was or as another comparable item is. For example, "While social media use is widespread among younger generations, it is less widespread among the elderly".

Common error

Avoid using "less widespread" when you mean "less intense" or "less severe". "Widespread" refers to distribution, not intensity. For instance, it's incorrect to say "The damage from the storm was less widespread than the previous one" if you mean the damage was less severe, not that it affected a smaller area.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less widespread" functions primarily as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase, to describe the extent or distribution of a noun. It indicates that something is not as commonly found or experienced compared to something else. Ludwig AI also confirms its role in modifying nouns by reducing their extent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less widespread" is a versatile phrase that functions as an adjective to describe something that is not as commonly found or distributed. Ludwig AI highlights its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in diverse contexts, primarily news, science, and encyclopedias. When using "less widespread", ensure that you are referring to the extent or distribution of something rather than its intensity or severity. Alternatives include "less common" and "less prevalent". By understanding its proper usage and context, you can effectively communicate the prevalence or distribution of a particular phenomenon or concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less common

Focuses on the frequency of occurrence rather than the distribution.

less prevalent

Emphasizes the lower rate of occurrence within a population or area.

not as common

A more casual way to express reduced frequency.

less frequent

Highlights the decreased rate at which something occurs.

not as extensive

Focuses on the limited reach or scope.

less extensive

Highlights a smaller scope or reach.

not as ubiquitous

Indicates something is not as universally present.

less universal

Emphasizes the lack of widespread presence or applicability.

more localized

Suggests something is restricted to certain areas.

regionally limited

Highlights restrictions to specific geographical regions.

FAQs

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

You can use "less widespread" to describe something that is not as common or prevalent as something else. For example: "Although the initial reports suggested otherwise, the disease is "not as common" as we first thought."

What are some alternatives to "less widespread"?

Alternatives to "less widespread" include "less common", "less prevalent", or "not as common", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "more widespread" instead of "less widespread"?

Yes, "more widespread" is the opposite of "less widespread" and is used to describe something that is more common or prevalent. It depends on the meaning you want to convey.

What's the difference between "less widespread" and "less severe"?

"Less widespread" refers to the distribution or prevalence of something, while "less severe" refers to the intensity or seriousness of something. For example, "The flu season was less widespread this year" means fewer people were affected, while "The flu symptoms were less severe" means the illness was milder.