are far less so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are far less so" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare two or more subjects, indicating that one is significantly less in a certain quality or characteristic than the other. Example: "While the first option is highly effective, the alternatives are far less so in terms of efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"The students I know who are conservative are far less so on social issues than our parents," Ms. Kotzambasis, 19, said.

The New York Times

The most likely explanation may be that some people are quite good at subconsciously using statistical techniques and others are far less so.

The New York Times - Health

While the downside for Ecuadorean rose growers, artichoke canners and tuna fishermen (whose products also get preferential treatment) is clear, the material benefits of granting asylum to Mr. Snowden are far less so.

The New York Times

Furthermore, the high stability of the nitrogen molecule contributes significantly to the thermodynamic instability of many nitrogen compounds, in which the bonds, although reasonably strong, are far less so than those in molecular nitrogen.

Encyclopedia Britannica

SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson pointed out the key difference there was that the SNP is Scotland's most popular political party, while the Conservatives, with their one MP, are far less so.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

They'll be far less so for their new quarterback.

The Guardian - Sport

Although nature has been good to Uganda, humankind has at times been far less so.

Independent

Then, however, the Scots were extremely competitive; this time they have been far less so.

The Guardian - Sport

"To do a feature was far less so — in fact, it was the opposite, in a way.

The New Yorker

While some of those privy to Cooper's polling predictions were calm, others were far less so.

The Guardian

Had they all been sold at once, their value would have been far less, so the I.R.S. allowed a lower valuation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are far less so" when you want to emphasize a notable difference between two or more things. Ensure the comparison is clear and that the context provides enough information to understand what aspect is being compared.

Common error

Avoid using "are far less so" without a clear point of comparison. The sentence should explicitly or implicitly state what is being compared to what, otherwise the statement becomes vague and meaningless.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are far less so" functions as a comparative element within a sentence, indicating that one subject possesses a quality to a significantly lesser degree than another. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are far less so" is a grammatically sound construction used to emphasize a significant disparity between subjects. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. Predominantly found in news, media, encyclopedias and scientific contexts, this phrase serves to highlight notable differences. When using "are far less so", ensure there is a clear point of comparison to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as ""are considerably less"" or ""are significantly less"" can provide similar emphasis. By understanding its function, purpose, and context, writers can effectively use "are far less so" to convey nuanced comparisons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are considerably less

Replaces "far" with "considerably" for a similar emphasis on the difference.

are significantly less

Substitutes "far" with "significantly", highlighting a notable difference.

are substantially less

Replaces "far" with "substantially" to convey a more considerable difference.

are much less

Uses "much" instead of "far" for a slightly less formal tone.

are notably less

Emphasizes that the difference is worthy of being noted.

are appreciably less

Highlights that the difference is noticeable or measurable.

are nowhere near as

Expresses a significant disparity, indicating a large gap.

are not nearly as

Suggests that something falls short of a certain level or degree.

are not quite as

Indicates a smaller difference, suggesting it's somewhat less.

are to a lesser extent

Formally expresses that something happens to a smaller degree.

FAQs

How can I use "are far less so" in a sentence?

Use "are far less so" to compare the degree of a quality or characteristic between two or more subjects. For example: "While some strategies are highly effective, others "are far less so"."

What are some alternatives to saying "are far less so"?

You can use phrases like "are considerably less", "are significantly less", or "are much less" depending on the context and the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "are far less so" in formal writing?

Yes, "are far less so" is grammatically correct and can be used in formal writing. It is suitable when you need to emphasize a noticeable difference between subjects.

What's the difference between "are far less so" and "are slightly less so"?

"Are far less so" indicates a substantial difference, while "are slightly less so" implies a minor or marginal difference. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the magnitude of the difference you are describing.