Less labour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Less labour" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a reduction in the amount of work or effort required for a task or process. Example: "The new software update allows for less labour in data entry, making the process more efficient."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Inevitably it means higher output with less labour.

The Guardian

Modern factories use more machinery and less labour than in the past.

The Economist

Commercial advantages include high production rates, less labour, and steel with a low nitrogen content.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Other printing employees followed them when new, less labour intensive, print plants were set up.

The Guardian

Second-growth forest was "easier to deal with with less labour".

The Guardian

Mechanization and other modern agricultural inputs mean that farms can achieve higher yields with less labour.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Computers make this work less labour-intensive.

The Economist

That is less surprising, since with better technology manufacturing is becoming ever less labour-intensive.

The Economist

And the longer the sluggish economy persists, the less labour-hoarding seems to make sense.

The Economist

Besides, sophisticated manufacturing tends to be less labour-intensive, reducing the appeal of low-wage countries.

The Economist

For a less labour-intensive version, I sometimes replace the béchamel with crème fraîche.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technological advancements, use "less labour" to highlight the efficiency gains from automation or new processes.

Common error

Avoid using "less labour" to imply laziness or a lack of effort. It refers specifically to efficiency or reduced manpower needs, not to individual work ethic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less labour" functions as a noun phrase, often used as an adjective modifying another noun, to indicate a reduction in the amount of work or effort required. Ludwig examples show it describing processes or methods that require fewer workers or less physical effort. The Ludwig AI confirms it's correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less labour" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a reduction in required work or effort, particularly due to increased efficiency. Ludwig AI confirms that "less labour" is correct and usable in written English. It frequently appears in scientific and news media contexts. While the phrase itself is straightforward, it's crucial to distinguish its meaning from implying laziness or lack of effort. Alternatives such as "reduced workforce" or ""labor-saving measures"" can provide nuanced replacements depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Labor-saving measures

Describes actions taken to reduce the amount of labor needed.

Less manual work

Specifically refers to reducing physical or hand-based tasks.

Minimized human input

Focuses on reducing the amount of direct human action in a process.

Reduced workload

Focuses on diminishing the amount of tasks or responsibilities.

Reduced workforce

Focuses on the overall reduction in the number of workers needed.

Decreased manpower

Emphasizes a reduction in human physical effort or strength.

Lower staffing levels

Highlights the reduction in the number of employees required.

Streamlined operations

Implies a more efficient process requiring less effort.

Simplified workflow

Indicates a process that's been made easier and requires fewer steps.

Automated processes

Highlights the use of automation to replace human tasks.

FAQs

How can I use "less labour" in a sentence?

You can use "less labour" to describe processes or methods that require fewer workers or less effort. For example, "Automation allows for "labor-saving measures" and thus, "less labour".

What is a good alternative to "less labour"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "reduced workforce", "decreased manpower", or ""labor-saving measures"".

Is "less labour" the same as "lazy"?

"Less labour" refers to a reduction in the amount of work required to complete a task, often due to efficiency or automation. It is not related to being "lazy", which implies a lack of willingness to work.

How does technology contribute to "less labour" in manufacturing?

Technology in manufacturing often leads to automation and "streamlined operations", which reduces the need for manual work and results in "less labour" overall.