much less extensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "much less extensive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the extent or scope of two things, indicating that one is significantly smaller or lesser than the other. Example: "The new study is much less extensive than the previous research, focusing only on a specific demographic."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Later glaciations were much less extensive and sediment supply to fluvial systems was much diminished.

Quaternary Science Reviews

But its sway was much less extensive: from time to time rates changed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Up until now historians had thought that such operations had been much less extensive.

Independent

This may allow future studies to identify different functional types of commissural neurons on the basis of much less extensive reconstructions.

Neuroscience

Here, however, as in the case of corporations, his language suggests that the limitations recommended will be much less extensive than many of his supporters expect and demand.

The Economist

A much less extensive type of flagging, known as point to point, in which usually only one signal lantern is deployed by a lookout, will be used in fewer circumstances now, Mr. Reuter said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

These charts are much less detailed and less extensive, but they might work in a pinch.

WikiHow

Of a much less controversial nature is the extensive and fruitful use of recursive function theory and related areas of logic in formal grammars and in the formal models of language users.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, although the regulation of protein S-nitrosylation has been the subject of extensive study, much less is known about the systems governing protein denitrosylation.

Duke University

In addition, the risk profile with this procedure is much less than that with more extensive open procedures.

Diabetes Care

(In their calculations, an African-American with little experience could never defeat a rich war hero with extensive political connections, much less the wife of a former President).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the scope of two related items, use "much less extensive" to clearly indicate a significant difference in size or scale. For example, "The damage from the second fire was "much less extensive" than the first."

Common error

Avoid using "much less extensive" when referring to abstract concepts where a more nuanced comparison might be suitable. For instance, instead of saying "His knowledge was "much less extensive"," consider stating that "His understanding was rudimentary."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "much less extensive" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something has a significantly smaller scope, range, or degree compared to something else. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and used across different sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

25%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "much less extensive" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate a significant difference in scope or extent. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide usage across diverse contexts. While generally neutral, it is often found in scientific and news-related content. Related alternatives include "considerably less extensive" and "far less extensive", offering slight variations in emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a substantial difference in the attributes being compared.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerably less extensive

This alternative emphasizes the notable difference in extent or scope.

far less extensive

This alternative highlights the significant reduction in extent.

significantly less extensive

This version stresses the importance of the difference in scope.

substantially less extensive

This suggests a considerable difference in the scale or magnitude.

markedly less extensive

This implies that the difference is easily noticeable.

noticeably less extensive

This indicates a readily apparent reduction in size or scope.

appreciably less extensive

Highlights that the difference is large enough to be perceived or measured.

materially less extensive

This denotes that the difference is relevant or important.

considerably narrower

Focuses on a reduced width or scope.

substantially curtailed

Implies a significant reduction or limitation.

FAQs

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

Use "much less extensive" to describe something that is significantly smaller in scope or degree compared to something else. Example: "The funding for the new project is "much less extensive" than initially anticipated."

What are some alternatives to "much less extensive"?

Alternatives include "considerably less extensive", "far less extensive", or "significantly less extensive". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "much less extensive" in formal writing?

Yes, "much less extensive" is appropriate for formal writing. However, consider whether a more precise or technical term might be more suitable depending on the context and audience.

What is the difference between "much less extensive" and "less extensive"?

While both phrases indicate a smaller scope, "much less extensive" emphasizes a considerably greater difference than simply saying "less extensive". It suggests a substantial reduction or limitation.