Less figure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Less figure" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express a reduction in the amount of something, but it lacks clarity and proper context. Example: "We need to focus on less figure in our budget to allocate more funds for marketing."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Now, with less figure skating being shown, the Ice Channel sees an opening.

The New York Times - Sports

As a result, it was impossible to discuss what Schwarzenegger was doing on climate change (and unnecessary for my interlocutors to know about it, no less figure out how to use it).

The Guardian - Opinion

If you read the titles of the musical numbers, you can more or less figure out the plot, since the lyrics illustrate rather than illuminate the action: "How 'Bout a Dance?" They dance.

The New Yorker

The importance of user judgment is underscored by the seeming invisibility of reduction peaks arising from Fe(II) and Mn II) at concentrations of about 25 μM and less (Figure 6 and Figure 4).

Geochemical Transactions

The TrCBHI activity improvement promoted by CBM-SUMO and CBMCBHI is about the same when the ratio (w/w) of CBM-SUMO enzyme was 5:1 or less (Figure 2A).

AMB Express

The optimum pH range has been found to be 6 to 7 and below, and above this range, the percentage removal of the fluoride ion is less (Figure 2).

Journal of Analytical Science and Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

"Once we had the system more or less figured out, we were confronted with thousands of inscriptions," Stuart said.

The Guardian

Young pros thought they had this "making a living" thing more or less figured out, and now they don't.

Vice

Most students have a hard time keeping track of the loans they have, much less figuring out which ones are eligible for what type of relief.

Huffington Post

The sequences between Uba2 ufds are generally less conserved (Figure 1E, Figure 3A, Figure 3B).

Plosone

VIA later responded to widespread outrage by bumping that number up to the far less symbolic figure of 4,000.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, specify what kind of "figure" you mean (e.g. "less impressive figure", "less volatile figure"). This provides context and improves understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "less figure" without specifying what the "figure" represents. This can lead to ambiguity and misinterpretation. Instead, use more precise language like "smaller number" or "reduced amount".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Less figure" functions as a descriptive modifier, attempting to indicate a reduction or decrease in the quantity or significance of something. However, according to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically incorrect, which affects its ability to clearly convey this meaning.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Less figure" is considered grammatically incorrect by Ludwig AI and lacks clarity. While it appears in some contexts, including news and scientific articles, it's generally best to avoid it in formal writing. Instead, opt for more precise and grammatically sound alternatives like "smaller amount", "reduced number", or "lower quantity". Always specify what the "figure" represents to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Smaller amount

Replaces "figure" with a more general term for quantity.

Reduced number

Specifies that the amount being discussed is numerical.

Lower quantity

Emphasizes the diminished size of a measurable entity.

Decreased representation

Focuses on the reduced portrayal or depiction of something.

Less data

Highlights a smaller collection of information.

Diminished proportion

Conveys a reduced share or percentage.

Fewer statistics

Refers to a smaller set of numerical facts or data.

Limited quantity

Emphasizes the restriction or scarcity of something.

Reduced magnitude

Highlights a smaller size or extent.

Lower incidence

Indicates a reduced rate of occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use a more grammatically sound phrase instead of "Less figure"?

Consider using phrases like "smaller amount", "reduced number", or "lower quantity" for clearer communication. The best alternative depends on the specific context.

What does "Less figure" mean in the context of data analysis?

In data analysis, "Less figure" is imprecise. Depending on the context, you might mean "fewer statistics", "less data", or a "reduced magnitude" in a specific metric.

Is it correct to say "Less figure" in formal writing?

No, "Less figure" is not considered standard English and should be avoided in formal writing. Opt for more precise and grammatically correct alternatives, such as those provided above.

What's the difference between "Less figure" and "Fewer figures"?

"Less" is generally used with uncountable nouns, while "fewer" is used with countable nouns. Therefore, "fewer figures" is grammatically correct when referring to a count of figures, while "less" might be appropriate when describing an overall amount or magnitude represented by a figure (though it is preferable to clarify the referent).