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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

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Less number

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Less number" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used incorrectly when referring to a smaller quantity or amount. Example: "We need to reduce the less number of errors in our report."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Less number of parameters required in comparison to all water quality parameters for particular use.   3.

Less number of parameters required in comparison to all water quality parameters for particular use.

Less number of thiazole ring as in compounds 5a c lead to drastic drop in activity.

Thus, less number of photocatalysts was activated.

Our scheme offers better resiliency using less number of supernodes.

Metal stoves are used by less number of people.

The other distance classes revealed a less number of landslides.

Parasitized H. armigera had 26% less number of blood cells compared to healthy larvae.

In addition, the proposed interface requires less number of queries in completing everyday bibliographic search tasks.

Of the two approaches, the DSP approach requires 87.40% less number of clock cycles.

Compared to existing formulations, the optimization method uses less number of design variables.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If referring to a general amount or quantity, consider using alternatives like "smaller quantity" or "reduced amount".

Common error

Avoid using "less" with countable nouns. "Less" is for uncountable nouns (e.g., "less water"), while "fewer" is for countable nouns (e.g., "fewer cars"). Using "less" with countable nouns is a common grammatical error.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Less number" functions as a determiner phrase, intended to modify a noun by indicating a smaller quantity. However, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. While commonly used, it violates standard English grammar rules regarding countable versus uncountable nouns.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "Less number" is frequently used across various contexts, especially in scientific literature, Ludwig AI marks it as grammatically incorrect. The core issue lies in the misuse of "less" with countable nouns, where "fewer" should be used instead. Alternatives such as "fewer in number" or "smaller quantity" offer grammatically sound substitutes, enhancing clarity and precision in writing. Always consider the countability of the noun you're modifying to avoid this common error.

FAQs

When should I use "less" versus "fewer"?

"Less" is used with uncountable nouns (e.g., "less water"), while "fewer" is used with countable nouns (e.g., "fewer cars").

Is "less number" grammatically correct?

No, "less number" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. It's better to use "fewer in number" or "smaller quantity" depending on the context.

What are some alternatives to "less number"?

Alternatives include "smaller quantity", "reduced amount", "fewer instances", and "fewer in number".

How can I avoid using "less number" in my writing?

Always check if you are referring to something countable. If so, use "fewer". If it's uncountable, "less" is appropriate. For example, use "fewer errors" instead of "less errors" and "less water" is correct.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: