a little less time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little less time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a reduction in the amount of time needed for a task or activity. Example: "If we could allocate a little less time to the meeting, we might be able to finish our project sooner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Once older workers lose a job, finding a new one is taking a little less time.

The New York Times

It's only a little more speed, and a little less time.

The Guardian - Sport

True, it might have taken a little less time to make the purchase online.

The New York Times - Tech

If we do, I may need to spend a little less time at work.

The Guardian - Sport

We suggest a little less time with The Sopranos box set, and a bit more with the transcendental meditation tapes.

Independent

Every team will play, on average, two more games a month, leaving a little less time for practice and rest.

The New York Times - Sports

Meetings may stick more closely to the agenda than they used to, and waste a little less time, but the formal business meeting is far from extinct.

The Economist

She reaches Midtown in about 40 minutes if she remains on the local train, and a little less time if she transfers to the express.

The New York Times

"It was important to have the cottage now," she said, "because we have a little less time with them to make these kinds of memories".

The New York Times - Arts

It's the most fertile place for ideas that I know, though I should perhaps spend a little less time on its fictional landscape.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Becker said that he remained undecided about which candidate to support (several have stopped by the store), and that he would like to see the remaining contenders spend a little less time talking about unemployment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the time spent on different tasks, "a little less time" implies that the difference is small and manageable, emphasizing the ease of adjustment.

Common error

Avoid using "a little less time" when the actual time difference is significant. It's more accurate to quantify the reduction, such as "30 minutes less" or "half the time."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little less time" functions as a determiner phrase followed by comparative adjective and noun. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is correct and usable in written English. It typically acts as an adverbial modifier, indicating a reduction in the duration or period allocated to an activity or event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a little less time" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate a slight reduction in the duration of an activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is versatile and appropriate for various contexts, although precise language is preferred in technical or legal documents. It is particularly common in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure that the time reduction is indeed small to avoid misrepresentation. Consider alternatives like "slightly shorter duration" or "a bit of time saved" to add variety to your writing. Remembering this phrase will help enhance clarity and appropriateness in written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly shorter duration

Emphasizes the duration aspect with a more formal tone.

a bit of time saved

Focuses on the result of having "a little less time" dedicated to something.

slightly reduced timeframe

More formal and specific to projects or schedules.

a shorter period

More general and can apply to various contexts.

reduced time allocation

Formal and implies a deliberate adjustment of time.

less time commitment

Highlights the reduced amount of time one needs to dedicate to something.

a decreased time investment

Focuses on the time spent as an investment, now reduced.

a smaller window of time

Emphasizes the limited opportunity or availability.

slightly expedited schedule

Implies a faster completion or availability.

a more efficient timeline

Highlights efficiency gains resulting in "a little less time" needed.

FAQs

How can I use "a little less time" in a sentence?

You can use "a little less time" to suggest a reduction in duration. For example, "If we allocate "a little less time" to meetings, we can focus more on project execution".

What are some alternatives to saying "a little less time"?

Alternatives include "slightly shorter duration", "a bit of time saved", or "slightly reduced timeframe" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a little less time" in formal writing?

Yes, "a little less time" is generally acceptable in formal writing, particularly when making suggestions or comparisons. However, more precise language might be preferred for technical reports or legal documents.

What's the difference between "a little less time" and "less time"?

"A little less time" implies a small or manageable reduction, whereas "less time" is more general and doesn't specify the degree of reduction. Using "a little" softens the suggestion and indicates a minor adjustment.