a less number of

USAGE SUMMARY

“a less number of” is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about a smaller amount of something in comparison to something else. For example, “The second group had a less number of members than the first.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

These configurations use a less number of columns compared to the Petlyuk configuration.

Computer Aided Chemical Engineering

China though has a less number of repositories; it has the highest number of items hosted in its repositories.

Harvard University

Previous models are extended so that the kinetic model derived is not only more physically sound, but also involves a less number of adjustable parameters.

Polymer

They urged the electors "to chuse a less number of Lawyers," perhaps two, and proposed a slate of nine, significantly headed by lawyers John Jay and Alexander Hamilton, but with seven others, principally businessmen.

Columbia University

The size of the particles increased with increasing mixing time, whereas smaller and more compact nanoparticles, comprising of a less number of aggregated chains, are produced for chitosan at higher degrees of hydrophobicity.

Polymer

We also design a node type selection (i.e., router or end device) algorithm that can allow the whole deployment area to be covered by using a less number of routers (i.e., lower energy consumption) than conventional ones.

Computer Networks

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

In contrast, ROCK1−/− cells exhibited minimal cell shape alteration, a significantly less number of cells showing a cortical contractile ring and an increased number of cells with preserved central stress fibers compared with WT cells.

Cell Death and Disease

This suggests that it is desirable to have a significantly less number of neighbor nodes and a lower energy consumption if we select a small moving time.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

It is shown that in a multicluster networking environment, PBS requires a far less number of timing messages than other well-known synchronization protocols and incurs no loss in synchronization accuracy.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Moreover, DenseNets requires a considerably less number of parameters and reasonable computing time to achieve state-of-the-art performances.

Computers and Electronics in Agriculture

The pipe element uses a much less number of DOF (degree-of-freedom) and it has exactly smooth configuration and high order solution of displacement.

Engineering Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While grammatically acceptable, consider using "fewer" when referring to countable items for better clarity and adherence to conventional English usage. For example, say "fewer problems" instead of "a less number of problems."

Common error

Avoid using "less" with countable nouns. "Less" is typically used with uncountable nouns (e.g., "less water", "less time"). Use "fewer" when referring to countable items (e.g., "fewer cars", "fewer people"). Therefore, prefer saying "a smaller number of" or "fewer" to "a less number of" when referring to distinct countable entities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a less number of" functions as a determiner modifying a noun, specifying a reduced quantity. Ludwig examples confirm its primary role in indicating a smaller quantity or count in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase “a less number of” is used to indicate a smaller quantity or count. According to Ludwig, its grammatical status is considered correct. However, it's important to note that while generally acceptable, using "fewer" for countable nouns or "a smaller number of" is often preferred for increased clarity and precision. The phrase is commonly found in scientific and formal contexts, which validates its usage in such domains. Remember to consider using "fewer" for countable items to avoid confusion and maintain grammatical correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reduced number of

Directly indicates a decrease in the count but is considered less correct.

a lower quantity of

This alternative emphasizes a decrease in the overall number.

a smaller quantity of

Emphasizes the amount or quantity being reduced rather than the count.

a reduced amount of

Focuses on the reduction in the overall sum or measure.

a decreased quantity of

Highlights the reduction in the overall size or extent of something measurable.

a diminished quantity of

Highlights the decrease or lessening in the sum.

a drop in the quantity of

This focuses on the action of reduction in an aggregate.

a lessening of the amount of

Implies a gradual reduction, often suggesting a process rather than a static state.

a dwindling supply of

Suggests a continuous decrease over time, implying scarcity.

a scarcity of

Indicates that something is not abundant.

FAQs

Is "a less number of" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "a less number of" is often considered less precise than alternatives. It's generally better to use "a smaller number of" or "fewer" for countable nouns.

When should I use "fewer" instead of "a less number of"?

Use "fewer" when you are referring to countable items (plural nouns). For example, "fewer errors" is preferable to "a less number of errors". "A less number of" is more appropriate for uncountable nouns like "a less amount of water".

What are some alternatives to "a less number of"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a smaller number of", "fewer", or "a reduced number of". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "a smaller number of" and "a less number of"?

While both phrases indicate a reduction in quantity, "a smaller number of" is generally preferred, especially in formal writing. Using "less" with countable nouns is a common but often criticized practice. You can also use "fewer" as an option.