significantly less intimidating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "significantly less intimidating" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is much easier to approach or less frightening compared to another thing. Example: "The new design of the software is significantly less intimidating for first-time users."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Salomon Kalou and the CSKA Moscow striker Seydou Doumbia will provide a significantly less intimidating frontline than one featuring Drogba.

The Guardian - Sport

But as shadowy vanguards of mass lawlessness go, Ismat and his friends were significantly less intimidating than the burly, armed officers sent to stop them from littering a car park with their dozing figures by day and deter their train-jumping efforts - sometimes brutally - by night.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Eventually, the job became less intimidating.

The New York Times

Inexperienced players can find smaller brokers less intimidating.

The New York Times

Medical schools are starting to train doctors to be less intimidating to patients.

The New York Times

Choosing familiar, historic styles was a subtle way of making industrial products seem less intimidating.

The New York Times - Arts

If he is unable to go, the Dodgers' lineup will look decidedly less intimidating.

The New York Times - Sports

A visit from Times reporters may have proved less intimidating to landlords and residents.

The New York Times

Enter the mock soufflé, filled with shortcuts that make this dish far less intimidating.

The New York Times - Food

But in person, he confides, Bashir is less intimidating.

The Guardian

Ms. Tharp's no-nonsense way of looking out at the world becomes less intimidating the better you know her.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing improvements or changes, use "significantly less intimidating" to highlight a substantial positive shift in perception or approachability. This emphasizes the magnitude of the change.

Common error

While "significantly less intimidating" is grammatically sound, reserve it for professional or formal writing. In casual conversation, consider using simpler alternatives like "much easier" or "not as scary".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significantly less intimidating" functions as an adjectival modifier. It describes the degree to which something has become less frightening or daunting. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms the grammatical correctness of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "significantly less intimidating" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, albeit relatively rare. According to Ludwig, it serves to describe something that has become notably easier or less frightening. Its primary function is as an adjectival modifier, often found in news, media, science, and wiki contexts. While appropriate for professional or formal writing, simpler alternatives are preferable in casual conversation. Remember to use this phrase when you want to clearly emphasize a substantial positive change in approachability or ease of use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerably more approachable

Replaces "intimidating" with "approachable" and adjusts the degree with "considerably" rather than "significantly less".

markedly more inviting

Substitutes "intimidating" with "inviting", focusing on the positive aspect of being welcoming rather than the negative of being scary.

substantially easier to engage with

Replaces "intimidating" with a description of engagement and uses "substantially" for emphasis.

noticeably more user-friendly

Focuses on user experience, replacing "intimidating" with "user-friendly" and using "noticeably" to indicate a clear difference.

appreciably less daunting

Substitutes "intimidating" with "daunting" and "significantly" with "appreciably", indicating a noticeable reduction in formidability.

distinctly less off-putting

Replaces "intimidating" with "off-putting", emphasizing the reduction of negative impressions.

palpably more welcoming

Focuses on creating a welcoming atmosphere, emphasizing the tangible feeling of being welcomed.

decidedly less scary

Uses a simpler term "scary" instead of intimidating, while keeping the core meaning.

strikingly more comfortable

Changes the focus to comfort, highlighting a significant increase in ease and relaxation.

manifestly less challenging

Substitutes "intimidating" with "challenging", indicating a clear reduction in difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "significantly less intimidating" in a sentence?

You can use "significantly less intimidating" to describe something that has become much easier to approach or deal with. For example: "The updated software interface is "significantly less intimidating" for new users than the previous version."

What's a good alternative to "significantly less intimidating"?

Alternatives include "much more approachable", "considerably easier", or "noticeably less daunting" depending on the specific context.

Is "significantly less intimidating" too formal for casual conversation?

Yes, in most casual conversations, "significantly less intimidating" might sound overly formal. Simpler options like "not as scary" or "easier to use" are often more appropriate.

When is it appropriate to use "significantly less intimidating"?

Use "significantly less intimidating" in professional settings, academic writing, or when you want to emphasize a substantial positive change in approachability or ease of use. It's suitable for describing improvements in software, processes, or environments.