the less popular

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the less popular" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to compare two things. Example: The new model of the car was less popular than the previous model.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Conversely, as ZC is reduced, part of the clients no longer request access to the videos of high popularity and instead begin to request the less popular videos.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

The less popular islands are also great.

The New York Times - Travel

In other words, the more expensive gasoline is, the less popular the president tends to be.

The New York Times

The less popular categories, eg, religion, will be left to wither.

The Economist

The longer a president is in office, the less popular he is.

The New York Times

Audrey Hepburn's classic little black dress, and Madonna modelling the less popular little black string vest.

The Guardian - Opinion

Dean advised Wilson to eliminate some of the less popular obstacles.

The New Yorker

Or look at one of the less popular funds, Select Automotive.

The New York Times

The more exposure the Ukip leader has enjoyed, the less popular his core cause has become.

The Guardian - Opinion

The company with the less popular method may end up being more accurate.

The New York Times

And it's easier, of course, the less popular the band is.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the less popular", ensure you're comparing it to something else; the phrase implies a comparison. For instance, "The less popular option is often the most affordable."

Common error

Avoid using "the less popular" without a clear point of comparison. Ensure the reader understands what is being compared; otherwise, the statement becomes vague. Instead of saying "That's the less popular choice", specify "That's the less popular choice compared to the other options."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the less popular" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes a noun by indicating its relative lack of popularity compared to something else. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage and applicability of the phrase across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

23%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the less popular" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjective phrase to describe something that is not as widely liked or chosen. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is applicable across a range of contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. When using "the less popular", be sure to provide a clear comparison point to something else to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "the unpopular" or "the less common" can be used depending on the specific meaning you want to convey. While it carries a neutral tone, always consider the surrounding context to ensure the phrase effectively communicates the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the not so popular

Replaces "less" with "not so", slightly softening the comparison but retaining the core meaning.

the unpopular

Simplifies the phrase by directly stating the lack of popularity, omitting the comparative element.

the less favored

Substitutes "popular" with "favored", emphasizing a lack of preference rather than widespread recognition.

the less common

Replaces "popular" with "common", focusing on frequency of occurrence instead of preference.

the less preferred

Uses "preferred" instead of "popular", highlighting a choice-based lack of appeal.

the less well-liked

Replaces "popular" with "well-liked", emphasizing personal affinity over general recognition.

the less fashionable

Specifies popularity in terms of current trends or style.

the less trendy

Similar to "less fashionable" but focuses on fleeting, contemporary appeal.

the less mainstream

Indicates a deviation from widely accepted or conventional tastes.

the less prominent

Shifts the focus from popularity to visibility or importance.

FAQs

How can I use "the less popular" in a sentence?

Use "the less popular" to describe something that is not as widely liked or chosen compared to something else. For instance, "The less popular option often offers unique advantages".

What's a good alternative to "the less popular"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "the unpopular", "the less common", or "the less favored".

Is it always negative to describe something as "the less popular"?

Not necessarily. While it implies something isn't as widely accepted, it can also suggest uniqueness, affordability, or other niche benefits. It depends on the context and what qualities are being emphasized.

What is the difference between "the less popular" and "the least popular"?

"The less popular" implies a comparison between two options, while "the least popular" suggests something ranks lowest in popularity among a group of three or more. For example, among the three flavors, vanilla is the least popular.