Less than I used to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Less than I used to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a decrease in frequency, quantity, or intensity of an action or feeling compared to a previous time. Example: "I exercise less than I used to, which is affecting my energy levels."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

"Less than I used to.

Huffington Post

(a) Less than I used to.

The New Yorker

"I transfuse in my practice all the time, just a little less than I used to".

The New Yorker

Saskia Sassen, sociologist and author I love New York, but less than I used to.

The Guardian

Regardless of where I am, I surf far less than I used to.

The New York Times

Three years on, I weigh 2.5 stone less than I used to and my body shape is transformed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

These lesser disappointments I managed to modulate; the artists are less like ex-lovers than like friends I keep in my address book but call less often than I used to.

The New Yorker

I'm throwing with less effort than I used to.

The New York Times

I'm less sentimental than I used to be, more transient.

The Guardian

I'm less fulfilled than I used to be because it's become a different job.

The Guardian - Money

[Laughs] But I'm much less hard than I used to be.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Less than I used to" to indicate a change over time. The phrase effectively conveys a shift from a previous state to a current one.

Common error

Ensure the subject of the comparison is clear. Saying "I exercise less than I used to" is clear. Saying "Things are less than I used to" lacks clarity and should be rephrased for better understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Less than I used to" functions as a comparative adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or clause, indicating a decrease in frequency, quantity, or intensity relative to a past state. Ludwig provides examples that show its usage across varied contexts, offering evidence of its communicative versatility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Less than I used to" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a decrease in something compared to the past. Ludwig confirms this usage across various contexts, primarily in news and media. The phrase is versatile, suitable for both neutral and informal registers. For clarity, ensure the subject of comparison is always specified. Consider alternatives such as "Not as much as before" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Not as much as before

Uses "not as much" to indicate a decrease in quantity or frequency.

To a lesser extent now

Emphasizes the reduced degree or scope of an action or state.

Not so often anymore

Focuses specifically on the reduced frequency of an action.

I don't as much as I once did

This alternative changes the structure to emphasize personal change over time.

Reduced compared to previous times

Uses "reduced" to indicate a measurable decrease.

Not nearly as frequently

Emphasizes the significant decrease in frequency.

I have cut back on

This is a more direct expression of reducing something.

Decreased from what it was

Focuses on the decrease as a change from a former level.

Not quite so much like before

Adds a nuance of similarity while noting the reduction.

I do it less often now

A straightforward way of saying the same thing by changing the phrasing.

FAQs

How can I use "Less than I used to" in a sentence?

Use "Less than I used to" to compare a current state with a past one, indicating a decrease. For example, "I travel "less than I used to" now that I work from home".

What's a more formal way to say "Less than I used to"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "To a lesser extent now" or "Reduced compared to previous times". These options maintain a professional tone while conveying the same meaning.

What are some common mistakes when using "Less than I used to"?

A common mistake is failing to specify what is being compared. Ensure your sentence clearly indicates what you're doing less of. For example, avoid saying "I do it "less than I used to"" without specifying the 'it'.

Which is correct: "Less than I use to" or "Less than I used to"?

"Less than I used to" is the correct form. The "used to" construction indicates a past habit or state, while "use to" is grammatically incorrect in this context.