Less workmanship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Less workmanship" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express a reduction in the quality or amount of craftsmanship, but it lacks clarity and proper context. Example: "The product suffered from less workmanship, leading to numerous defects."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"It's like you are getting less fabric and less workmanship for more money," said Tom Julian, a consumer-trend expert and the author of the recently published "Nordstrom Guide to Men's Style".

The New York Times

By all these evaluations, the strengthening technique that can be applied easily, faster and required less workmanship is developed.

Construction and Building Materials

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

And he has paid attention not just to the feet but to the arms and heads of the dancers as well, giving the dance routines an elegant snap that eludes less careful workmanship.

The New York Times

For example, the less than careful workmanship evident in the temples attributed to Jayavarman's reign vividly points to the great haste with which they were built.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If the sides are ground at the wrong angles (sometimes through less-than-perfect workmanship, sometimes to increase weight with extra width or depth) quite a bit of light will not shine back out the right way--much more than would be lost to a very faint yellowish or brown tint or a speck visible under a loupe.

WikiHow

These same studies have concluded that prevailing wage laws result in more local hiring, job growth across all economic sectors, safer worksites, higher quality workmanship and productivity, less spending on materials and fuels, and less poverty amongst blue collar construction workers.

Huffington Post

Weaknesses: the product is more standardized, and of lesser quality, with less sense of design and materials and workmanship.

Bplans

But the Air Force projects have come under much less criticism than their Army Corps counterparts for shoddy workmanship and delays.

The New York Times

No less than Pollan, he is a connoisseur, exercised more by shoddy workmanship than by shoddy working conditions.

The New Yorker

What makes the Greenes' workmanship even more astonishing is that the house was built in less than a year.

Forbes

Exquisite workmanship?

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a decline in the quality of work, consider using stronger and more precise alternatives like "reduced craftsmanship" or "inferior workmanship" to convey your meaning clearly.

Common error

Avoid using "less" directly before a noun describing a skill or process. Instead, rephrase using adjectives like "inferior" or "reduced" to better describe the quality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Less workmanship" functions as a noun phrase intended to describe a deficiency in the quality of work. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase isn't grammatically ideal, suggesting clearer alternatives are preferable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Less workmanship" aims to denote a reduction in the quality or skill involved in a particular task or creation. However, Ludwig AI indicates that this phrasing isn't grammatically optimal and suggests alternatives such as "reduced craftsmanship" or "inferior workmanship". Usage is rare, primarily occurring in News & Media and Science contexts. For improved clarity and impact, it's advisable to opt for more grammatically sound and precise alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Reduced craftsmanship

Focuses specifically on the reduction in the quality of the craft or skill involved.

Inferior quality of work

Highlights the lower standard of the completed work.

Substandard fabrication

Emphasizes that the manufacture or construction process was below the expected level.

Poorly executed

Indicates that the task was not performed well.

Deficient artistry

Points out the lack of artistic skill or quality.

Lacking in finesse

Suggests a lack of delicacy or refinement in the work.

Shoddy construction

Emphasizes the poor quality of the building or assembly.

Crude workmanship

Indicates a lack of sophistication or skill in the work.

Imperfect execution

Focuses on the flawed performance or carrying out of the task.

Amateurish crafting

Highlights the lack of professional quality in the creation.

FAQs

How can I properly describe a decline in the quality of work?

Instead of "Less workmanship", you can use phrases like "reduced craftsmanship", "inferior workmanship", or "substandard fabrication" to convey the meaning more effectively.

What's a more formal way to express "Less workmanship"?

For a more formal tone, consider using terms such as "deficient artistry" or "imperfect execution" to highlight the lack of quality or skill.

Is "Less workmanship" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "Less workmanship" isn't grammatically ideal. It's better to use alternatives that more clearly denote a reduction in quality or skill, such as "poorly executed" or "crude workmanship".

What's the difference between "Less workmanship" and "Poor workmanship"?

"Poor workmanship" directly indicates that the quality of work is low. "Less workmanship" suggests a reduction in the effort or skill applied, but it's less direct. Using "poor" is often clearer and more impactful in expressing the deficiency.