much less conclusive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "much less conclusive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is even less definitive or certain than another point or statement previously mentioned. Example: "The results of the second experiment were much less conclusive than those of the first."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The evidence is much less conclusive now.

The Economist

In contrast, among more autocratic countries, the results were much less conclusive and show smaller, positive effects.

Harvard Business Review

But surveys of voters leaving polling stations indicated that the gap between Mr. Andrade and his most important rival, Raul Ojeda of the Democratic Revolutionary Party, was much less conclusive.

The New York Times

Other grounds are disclosed by the record which support the general proposition that the declaration by the body referred to, that Goebel received the highest number of legal votes cast and was entitled to the office of governor, ought not to be regarded as valid, much less conclusive, upon the courts.

Cornell University

In truth, the panel discussion at the sprawling tech conference was much less conclusive on that point, offering several reminders why printed texts may be likely to live with vigor in K-12 districts for years to come despite several factors that are leading schools to become less reliant on them.

Harvard University

Still, the situation is much less conclusive for the very early, i.e. preclinical stages of AD.

Acta neuropathologica communications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

This war is bound to prove much longer, tougher and less conclusive than the war on Iraq.

The Economist

While there is some evidence that nicotine (rather than cigarettes) might ease some symptoms of schizophrenia, that evidence is far from conclusive, and in any case, there are other, much less harmful methods of nicotine administration than cigarettes.

The Guardian

And, while predictions are even harder than usual this time, the result of the vote could be even less conclusive than in 2010.The most obvious difference is that the field is much more crowded.

The Economist

Other indicators are less conclusive.

The New York Times - Magazine

National Transportation Safety Board officials were far less conclusive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "much less conclusive", ensure that you have clearly established the initial point of comparison. This helps the reader understand the degree of difference you are highlighting.

Common error

Avoid using "much less conclusive" in isolation. Always provide a clear reference point to what you are comparing the conclusiveness to. Without context, the phrase loses its meaning and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "much less conclusive" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun (often 'evidence', 'results', or 'findings') to indicate a lower degree of certainty or decisiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in comparing the strength of evidence.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "much less conclusive" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase indicating a significantly reduced level of certainty compared to something else. As Ludwig AI validates, it appears in a variety of contexts, especially within news, scientific, and academic domains. Though not exceedingly common, it is a precise way to express limitations in evidence or findings. When using this phrase, ensure a clear point of comparison to maximize clarity. Considering alternatives like "far from definitive" or "considerably less certain" can provide nuanced options for expressing degrees of certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

far from definitive

Emphasizes the lack of definiteness or finality.

considerably less certain

Highlights the reduced level of certainty.

significantly less decisive

Focuses on the diminished impact on decision-making.

markedly less convincing

Stresses the reduced persuasive power.

appreciably less telling

Emphasizes that the information is less revealing or informative.

substantially more dubious

Highlights the increased doubtfulness or skepticism.

noticeably weaker evidence

Focuses on the feebler strength of the supporting evidence.

not nearly as compelling

Emphasizes the lack of persuasiveness compared to something else.

decidedly more tentative

Indicates a greater degree of hesitancy or uncertainty.

materially less probative

Focuses on the reduced ability to prove something.

FAQs

How can I use "much less conclusive" in a sentence?

Use "much less conclusive" to indicate that evidence or results are significantly weaker or less definitive than something previously mentioned. For example, "While the first study showed promising results, the follow-up study was "much less conclusive"".

What's the difference between "less conclusive" and "much less conclusive"?

"Less conclusive" indicates a weaker level of certainty. "Much less conclusive" emphasizes a significantly greater difference in certainty, implying a more substantial reduction in the strength of the evidence or results.

Which is correct: "less conclusive" or "much less conclusive"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. The choice depends on the degree of difference you want to emphasize. Use ""much less conclusive"" when the difference is substantial.

What are some alternatives to saying "much less conclusive"?

You can use alternatives like "far from definitive", "considerably less certain", or "significantly less decisive" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.