less willing to

USAGE SUMMARY

"less willing to" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a decrease in willingness or enthusiasm towards something. Example: After being rejected multiple times, John was less willing to put himself out there and try dating again.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But Mr Gove has been less willing to criticise them.

The Economist

Companies find banks less willing to lend than before.

The Economist

When consumer confidence falls, people are less willing to spend and businesses are less willing to hire.

The New York Times

"People are less willing to make big financial commitments".

The New York Times - Arts

The younger generation is less willing to endure such hardships.

The Guardian

Some fans seemed less willing to let go.

The New Yorker

But most have been less willing to invest.

The Guardian - Opinion

Are we less willing to see something dirty?

The Guardian - Film

Less fearful, Americans are less willing to be manipulated.

The New York Times

Some may be less willing to overlook a few inconsistencies.

The Guardian - Film

They are also less willing to request psychotherapy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less willing to", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the decrease in willingness. Provide specific reasons or circumstances to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "less willing to" when the issue is about capability, not willingness. Use phrases like "less able to" or "less capable of" instead when describing a lack of ability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less willing to" functions as an adjective phrase modifying an implied subject, expressing a diminished inclination or readiness to perform an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound and well-supported by examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less willing to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that effectively conveys a reduced inclination or readiness towards something. As evidenced by Ludwig examples, it appears across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly explains the reasons behind the decrease in willingness to maintain clarity. Alternatives like ""less inclined to"" or ""more reluctant to"" can offer nuanced variations depending on the specific intent. It is crucial to differentiate between willingness and ability, opting for phrases like "less able to" when capability is the primary issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less inclined to

Emphasizes a lack of inclination or preference.

more reluctant to

Uses "reluctant" to convey a stronger sense of hesitation.

disinclined to

A more formal way of saying "not inclined to".

less prepared to

Focuses on readiness rather than willingness; implies a lack of preparation.

hesitant to

Highlights the hesitation or uncertainty.

less keen on

Implies a lack of interest or eagerness.

less enthusiastic about

Highlights a decrease in enthusiasm.

unenthusiastic about

Directly states a lack of enthusiasm.

not as eager to

Uses a comparative structure to indicate a reduced level of eagerness.

not as disposed to

Focuses on a lack of disposition or tendency.

FAQs

How can I use "less willing to" in a sentence?

You can use "less willing to" to express a reduced inclination towards something. For example: "After the negative feedback, she was "less willing to" share her work".

What are some alternatives to "less willing to"?

Alternatives include "less inclined to", "more reluctant to", or "less enthusiastic about", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When should I use "less willing to" instead of "unable to"?

"Less willing to" describes a change in attitude or motivation, while "unable to" describes a lack of capability or resources. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the reason for the reduced action.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less willing to"?

Yes, "less willing to" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to indicate a decrease in willingness. It is widely accepted in both formal and informal contexts.