less work intensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less work intensive" is not correct in standard English; the correct form is "less work-intensive." You can use it when comparing tasks or processes that require a lower amount of effort or resources.
Example: "This new software is less work-intensive than the previous version, allowing us to complete projects more efficiently."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

However, this only samples a subset of the aggregate species in one small brain region and more quantitative approaches that are less work-intensive are desperately needed.

Human Molecular Genetics

They demonstrated that the less invasive and less work-intensive technique of quantitative culture of endotracheal aspirates correlated well with both protected specimen brushings and bronchoalveolar lavage findings, allowing early definitive antibiotic choice or cessation of antibiotics in the case of negative results.

Critical Care

Use a round platter for a less work-intensive display, and a square one if you want to create geometrical shapes with your cheese.

WikiHow

For old-timers, people now in their 30's and 40's, the answer is less magical than logical: a natural product of working intensive hours together with a common purpose.

The New York Times

Not more people, less work".

The New York Times

"Less work.

Los Angeles Times

Research how work intensive the stone is.

WikiHow

Migration, he said, 'risks discouraging employers from adopting alternative solutions to labour shortages such as increasing investment in new technology to make work less labour-intensive or increasing their spending on staff training to meet skills shortages'.

The Guardian

Now that Dopplr is up and running, there is less design-intensive work needed; Jones will continue working with Dopplr as a design advisor, one day a month.

The Guardian

Computers make this work less labour-intensive.

The Economist

Caitac was used to far less labor-intensive work, but it needed new clients to replace what it had lost.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing processes or tasks, use "less work-intensive" to clearly indicate a reduction in the effort required. Consider alternatives like "less labor-intensive" for more formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid writing "less work intensive" without the hyphen. The correct form is "less work-intensive" or "less labor-intensive" when used as a compound adjective before a noun. While commonly seen without the hyphen, proper grammar dictates its inclusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase functions as a comparative adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes something that requires a smaller amount of effort or resources compared to something else. As Ludwig AI indicates, the grammatically preferred form is "less work-intensive".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

29%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less work intensive" describes something requiring less effort but should technically be written as "less work-intensive" when used as a compound adjective. Ludwig AI highlights this distinction, noting that the unhyphenated form, while widely used, deviates from standard grammar. While it appears frequently across diverse sources such as News, Scientific and Wiki, alternatives like "less labor-intensive" or "less demanding" may suit more formal contexts. The primary purpose of the phrase is to communicate efficiency, highlighting tasks or processes that are simpler, faster, or require fewer resources. Understanding these nuances helps ensure both clarity and grammatical correctness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less labor-intensive

Focuses on reduced manual effort or manpower.

less effortful

Emphasizes the reduction in required exertion or strain.

less demanding

Highlights a decrease in the requirements or expectations of the task.

less strenuous

Indicates a reduction in physical or mental exertion.

easier to manage

Focuses on the simplified management or handling of a task or process.

requires less input

Highlights a decrease in the resources or effort needed.

more streamlined

Emphasizes the increased efficiency and reduced complexity.

less complicated

Focuses on the reduction of complexity or intricacy.

more automated

Highlights the replacement of manual effort with automated processes.

less resource-intensive

Focuses on the reduced consumption of resources like time, money or energy.

FAQs

How can I correctly use "less work intensive" in a sentence?

While "less work intensive" is frequently used, it should technically be "less work-intensive" when used as a compound adjective (e.g., "a less work-intensive task"). Consider alternatives like "less labor-intensive" or requires "less effort".

What's a more grammatically correct alternative to "less work intensive"?

A more grammatically sound alternative is "less work-intensive" (with a hyphen). Other options include "less demanding", or "easier", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "less work intensive" and "less labor-intensive"?

While similar, "less work intensive" is broader and can refer to any kind of work, including mental effort. "Less labor-intensive" specifically refers to tasks requiring less manual or physical labor.

Can I use "less work intensive" in formal writing?

While understandable, "less work intensive" (even hyphenated) might be considered informal by some. For formal writing, opt for "less labor-intensive", "less demanding", or "requires less effort".