Much less than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Much less than" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to compare two quantities or amounts, indicating that one is significantly smaller than the other. Example: "The cost of the new model is much less than the previous version, making it more accessible to consumers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Much less than five years ago.

The Guardian

Much less than nothing.

Forbes

Much less than you'd expect.

Vice

Much less than most people probably believe.

Huffington Post

"Well, much less than the paintings".

The New York Times

This is much less than at Chernobyl.

The Economist

Actually, it's much less than that.

The New York Times

Now they have much less than half.

The New York Times

"But it's much less than the Libyans.

The Guardian

(Surely, it's much less than 10%).

The Guardian

Shoppers here haggle much less than before.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Much less than" to clearly emphasize a significant difference in quantity or degree between two things being compared. This helps to highlight the disparity effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "less" when referring to countable nouns; use "fewer" instead. For example, say "much fewer cars" not "much less cars". "Less" is generally used with uncountable nouns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Much less than" functions as a comparative quantifier. It is used to indicate that one quantity, degree, or extent is significantly smaller or lower than another. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English for making comparisons.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Much less than" is a grammatically sound and widely used comparative quantifier to emphasize a significant difference between two entities. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in diverse contexts, especially within news, scientific, and business domains. The phrase is versatile, fitting well in both formal and informal writing, though best practice advises using "fewer" when quantifying countable nouns. "Much less than" effectively highlights disparities and serves as a powerful tool for creating impactful comparisons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Significantly smaller than

Emphasizes a notable difference in size or amount.

Substantially lower than

Focuses on a considerable decrease in value or level.

Considerably fewer than

Highlights a significant reduction in the number of items.

Far below

Indicates a position or quantity that is well under a specific point or amount.

Well short of

Implies a failure to reach a desired level or target.

A good deal less than

Suggests a noticeable reduction in quantity or amount.

Markedly less than

Highlights a distinct or easily noticeable difference.

Appreciably smaller than

Indicates a difference large enough to be recognized or valued.

Noticeably less than

Emphasizes that the difference is easy to see or recognize.

Measurably smaller than

Highlights a difference that can be quantitatively determined.

FAQs

When should I use "Much less than" instead of "Less than"?

Use "Much less than" to emphasize a significant difference between the two quantities or amounts being compared. It indicates a more substantial disparity than simply saying "less than".

What are some alternatives to "Much less than"?

Alternatives include "significantly smaller than", "substantially lower than", or "considerably fewer than" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "Much less than"?

Yes, "Much less than" is grammatically correct. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, typically used to compare two quantities or amounts.

How does the usage of "Much less than" differ from "Far less than"?

"Much less than" and "Far less than" are very similar. "Far less than" can sometimes imply a greater degree of difference or surprise, but they are often interchangeable. Consider the context to choose the most appropriate phrase.