Less sum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Less sum" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to refer to a smaller total or amount, but it lacks clarity and context for proper usage. Example: "To achieve a more efficient budget, we need to focus on less sum in our expenses."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

These contrasting attitudes more or less sum up his conflicted self-presentation.

The New York Times - Arts

First, removing a subcarrier from an MA user induces that the transmission power for this MA user increases and thus less sum rate is achieved for RA users.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

You are not brave enough or smart enough to do anything but watch.' The more power and control invested in the hands of the few, the less sum total of justice there is in the world.

Huffington Post

The more power and control invested in the hands of the few, the less sum total of justice there is in the world and the more we are dispossessed.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The title more or less sums it up.

The New Yorker

That more or less sums up the US postal service's attitude this week.

The Guardian - Books

That more or less sums up the quintessential Matt Damon role: the tabula rasa hero.

The New York Times

And that more or less sums up how the Nonesuch catalog came to be.

The New York Times - Arts

This sort of dynamic more or less sums up the economies of the third world.

The New York Times - Magazine

Which more or less sums up the Wii U. Next up was Legend Of Zelda: Battle Quest.

The Guardian - Tech

That injury more or less summed up my first year after college – numbness, and then a slow return of feeling.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "Less sum" in formal writing. Opt for grammatically correct alternatives such as "Smaller total" or "Reduced amount" to ensure clarity and precision.

Common error

Many writers mistakenly use "Less sum" when they intend to convey "Smaller total" or "Reduced amount". Always verify that your phrasing is grammatically correct to avoid confusion and maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Less sum" functions incorrectly as an attempt to quantify or describe a reduced quantity. It lacks grammatical validity and should be replaced with standard alternatives. Ludwig AI highlights its incorrect usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Less sum" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal and informal writing. Ludwig AI confirms that "Less sum" is not a standard or grammatically sound phrase in English. It's best to use alternatives such as "Smaller total" or "Reduced amount" to ensure clarity and accuracy. The contexts in which it appears are primarily in news and scientific articles, but its use should be corrected to maintain proper grammar. Although present in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, its rare frequency indicates that it is an atypical and non-recommended phrase. When precision is key, especially in formal or scientific contexts, clearer alternatives should always be preferred over the ambiguous and incorrect "Less sum".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Smaller total

Replaces "Less sum" with a more grammatically correct and straightforward expression.

Reduced amount

Provides a clearer alternative, emphasizing the reduction in quantity or value.

Lower total

Offers a simple and direct way to indicate a smaller sum.

Decreased quantity

Emphasizes the reduction in the number or amount of something.

Diminished sum

Uses a more formal tone to convey the idea of a reduced total.

Lesser quantity

Focuses on the smaller amount or number.

Net decrease

Highlights the overall reduction after accounting for increases and decreases.

Reduced aggregate

Uses a more technical term to refer to a smaller combined total.

Lower aggregate

Similar to "Reduced aggregate" but slightly less formal.

Smaller quantity

Similar to "Lesser quantity", emphasizing the reduced numerical amount.

FAQs

What does "Less sum" mean?

The phrase "Less sum" is grammatically incorrect and doesn't have a standard meaning in English. It is likely intended to mean a smaller total or reduced amount, but it should be rephrased for clarity.

How can I correct the phrase "Less sum"?

Replace "Less sum" with phrases like "smaller total", "reduced amount", or "lower total" to ensure grammatical correctness and clarity.

Is "Less sum" grammatically correct?

No, "Less sum" is not grammatically correct in standard English. It is advisable to use more appropriate alternatives.

What's the difference between "Less sum" and "Smaller total"?

"Less sum" is not a standard English phrase and should be avoided. "Smaller total" is a grammatically correct and clear way to express a reduced amount.