not so intense

USAGE SUMMARY

"not so intense" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to describe something that is not as strong or dramatic as it could be. For example, "The thunderstorm wasn't as intense as usual, just a few rumbles of thunder here and there, not so intense."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

They are inevitable, perhaps, and certainly embarrassing, but not so intense or original.

The Guardian - Books

"It was not so intense as most classes here," said Wang Chao, a young man in grey sweats.

The New York Times - Arts

We want to go into games playing with a bit of freedom, not so intense and with so much pressure on us.

Independent

At 61, you can still feel shame, but it is not so intense, one's peers are more tolerant, and I passed in the end.

The Guardian

He added, "I have noticed that when people are exposed to the facts, to the state of the science, and why we need to look for alternatives to what we have now, the opposition is not so intense".

The New Yorker

Embryo research enjoys a more supportive climate in Britain because the abortion debate is not so intense, and members of Parliament are less fearful of single-issue activists than are representatives to Congress, some legal scholars suggest.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

"If I wasn't so intense," Bryan says.

The Guardian - Arts

Sometimes I wish I wasn't so intense about it... It's a blessing and a curse.

The Guardian - Music

The paintings would be silly if they weren't so intense and felt, and painted with such compulsion.

The Guardian

You'll have to tell your partner that either you move back to where you lived originally, when things weren't so intense, or that he comes to counselling with you if he wants to save your relationship.

Independent

Even in the US, when the political heat isn't so intense, you find conservative economists promoting quite Keynesian views of stabilization policy — Greg Mankiw is the editor of two volumes on New Keynesian Economics, and the Bushies were quite happy to argue for tax cuts as a way to boost spending.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not so intense" when you want to downplay the severity or strength of something without completely negating it. This softens the statement and makes it less absolute.

Common error

While generally acceptable, excessive use of "not so intense" can make formal writing sound less authoritative. In such contexts, consider stronger, more precise alternatives like "moderate" or "reduced" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not so intense" functions as an adjectival modifier, softening the impact of the adjective "intense". Ludwig shows that it's used to indicate a reduced degree of strength, passion, or severity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

44%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not so intense" is a useful phrase for softening statements and indicating a reduced degree of intensity. As Ludwig suggests, it's grammatically correct and commonly used in news, media, and scientific contexts, though it's best to opt for more precise language in highly formal writing. The key is to recognize when a gentler description is needed, making "not so intense" a valuable tool in your linguistic toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less intense

Direct synonym focusing on a lower level of intensity.

not as strong

Emphasizes reduced power or force.

milder

Suggests a gentler or more subdued nature.

less severe

Highlights a decrease in harshness or seriousness.

more subdued

Focuses on a calmer, quieter presentation.

not as extreme

Underscores a reduced level of extremity or radicalism.

gentler

Emphasizes a softer, kinder approach.

more moderate

Highlights balance and avoidance of extremes.

not as fierce

Focuses on reduced aggressiveness or wildness.

more restrained

Suggests a controlled or suppressed quality.

FAQs

What does "not so intense" mean?

The phrase "not so intense" means something is less strong, extreme, or passionate than it could be. It suggests a milder or more subdued version of something.

How can I use "not so intense" in a sentence?

You might say, "The sunlight today is "not so intense", making it perfect for a walk" or "The debate was heated, but "not so intense" as to cause lasting animosity."

Which is correct, "not so intense" or "not as intense"?

Both "not so intense" and "not as intense" are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. The choice often depends on stylistic preference, although "not as intense" might be perceived as slightly more formal.

What are some alternatives to "not so intense"?

You can use alternatives like "less intense", "milder", or "more subdued" depending on the specific context.