a less dear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a less dear" is not correct in standard English usage.
The correct form would typically be "less dear" or "a less expensive option." Example: "I found a less dear alternative that fits our budget better."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

For a less dear $55 gift, contributors can pick up the McSweeney's tote, a digital book pack and a copy of Eggers' forthcoming picture book about the Golden Gate Bridge, "This Will Not Be Gray," illustrated by Tucker Nichols and published by McSweeney's.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

And with the advent of mass production — which, like clocks, relies on repetitive and predictable mechanisms — clocks became inexpensive commodities without making the passing of time seem any less dear.

The New York Times - Arts

As Director Berry has said, "Just as we owe our men and women who die in uniform more than we can ever repay, we owe these non-combatant workers a debt of honor as well, and I challenge anyone to say their lives are any less dear".

Huffington Post

In 2010 nationalist heckles led the generally business-friendly Conservative government to quash a $40 billion bid by BHP Billiton, an Anglo-Australian mining giant, for the Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan, a company far less dear to Canadian hearts than the modern rump of Canadian Pacific.

The Economist

We were quoted a price on a Louis Vuitton duffel bag that is 1.4%, or $10, less dear than a year earlier.

Forbes

A closing scene titled "We will support our powerful nation with rifles" was staged by thousands of men in army uniform who marched in lock step and shouted, "We will safeguard our dear leader!" A less threatening dance called "The leader will always be with us" involved probably more than a thousand children dressed in white and performing gymnastics in exact formations.

The New York Times

Jean-Marc Brodeur: Jean-Marc was a brilliant co-researcher, a humanist, and a dear friend.

BMC Health Services Research

The most affordable group is £8 or less, the dearest more than £20, with certain glasses far above this, to cater to both the wine snob and the everyday drinker.

Independent

Only twice in championship history have England gone in search of a clean sweep against their nearest and less-than-dearest, both times in London.

Independent

This is only a little less clumsy than 1) above.3) "Dear Ms. Lastname"The flack is supposed to flatter the hack: as such a distinguished journalist, you will surely be interested in… the problem is that anyone who knows my name can Google it and, in 0.49 seconds (not including typing time), discover that I am a Mr, not a Ms.4) The completely inappropriate pitchThe most common sin.

The Economist

The effect was less stuffy than dear, and that was his problem; he was too dear, too kind.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the cost of an item or service, use more direct and commonly accepted phrases like "less expensive" or "more affordable" instead of "a less dear".

Common error

Avoid using "a less dear" as it sounds unnatural in modern English. This construction might be misinterpreted or sound overly formal and potentially confusing to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a less dear" functions as a modifier, aiming to describe something as being of lower cost or value. However, as Ludwig AI points out, it's not a standard or commonly used expression. Examples show it attempting to convey something cheaper or less valued.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a less dear" is an uncommon way to express something being less expensive or less valued. As Ludwig AI underlines, standard English prefers alternatives like "less expensive" or "more affordable". While understandable, it may sound awkward or overly formal in modern contexts. Predominantly found in news and media sources, its usage aims to convey a lower cost or reduced significance. For clarity and impact, it's best to opt for more direct and contemporary alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less expensive

Focuses directly on the monetary cost being lower.

more affordable

Highlights the accessibility of the item or service due to its lower price.

less costly

A more formal way of saying something is less expensive.

lower-priced

Describes the price point of an item or service.

cheaper

A simpler and more direct way to say that something costs less.

a more economical choice

Suggests a financially sensible option.

of lower value

Shifts the focus to the worth or importance attributed to something.

not as cherished

Emphasizes that something is not as dearly regarded or appreciated.

not as precious

Highlights that something isn't as valuable or significant.

less significant

Indicates something holds less importance or meaning.

FAQs

Is the phrase "a less dear" grammatically correct?

While understandable, the phrase "a less dear" is not considered standard English. It's better to use phrases like "less expensive" or "more affordable".

What's a better alternative to "a less dear"?

Consider using alternatives such as "cheaper", "less expensive", or "more affordable". The best choice depends on the specific context.

In what contexts might I encounter the phrase "a less dear"?

You might encounter "a less dear" in older texts or more formal writing, though it's not common in contemporary usage. Modern alternatives are generally preferred for clarity and ease of understanding.

How can I use "a less dear" correctly, if I choose to use it?

While not recommended, if you choose to use "a less dear", ensure the context is formal or literary. However, it's advisable to opt for clearer alternatives like "less valuable" or "less expensive" to avoid confusion.