are less than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are less than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare quantities, values, or measurements, indicating that one is smaller than the other. Example: "The results of the experiment show that the temperature readings are less than the expected values."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Even field guides are less than encouraging.

The New Yorker

Monthly charges are less than $800.

The New York Times

They are less than halfway there.

The New York Times

Such evasions are less than convincing.

The Economist

The results are less than spectacular.

The New York Times - Books

The results are less than stellar.

The New York Times - Arts

Even his women are less than perfect.

The Guardian - Arts

Latest reports are less than heartening.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"It's less than slag.

The New Yorker

Hook was less than impressed.

The New Yorker

They were less than pleased.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing quantifiable data, ensure that the units of measurement are consistent for accurate comparisons. For instance, "The costs are less than $100" provides a clear and useful comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "less" with countable nouns; use "fewer" instead. It is correct to say "There are fewer than 10 students" not "There are less than 10 students".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are less than" functions as a comparative expression, primarily used to indicate that one quantity, value, or state is smaller or lower than another. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which show its broad application across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are less than" serves as a common and versatile comparative expression used to indicate a smaller quantity, value, or degree. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used in diverse contexts, including news, business, and scientific writing. While its register is primarily neutral, paying attention to the proper use with countable versus uncountable nouns is crucial for maintaining precision. When variety is needed, alternatives such as "are smaller than" or "are fewer than" can be considered based on the specific nuances you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are smaller than

Focuses on size or magnitude.

are fewer than

Emphasizes a lower numerical count.

are lower than

Highlights a reduced level or position.

do not exceed

Indicates a maximum limit or boundary.

are under

Suggests being below a specific threshold or amount.

are beneath

Implies a lower ranking or status.

are not as much as

Emphasizes a deficiency in quantity or amount.

are a fraction of

Indicates a small portion or percentage.

pale in comparison to

Highlights the significant difference in some qualities.

are second-rate compared to

Highlights inferiority in comparison to something else.

FAQs

How do I use "are less than" in a sentence?

Use "are less than" to compare two quantities, indicating that one is smaller or lower than the other. For example, "The expenses are less than the revenue."

What's the difference between "are less than" and "are fewer than"?

"Are less than" is generally used with uncountable nouns (e.g., "There is less water than needed"), while "are fewer than" is used with countable nouns (e.g., "There are fewer than five apples").

What can I say instead of "are less than"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "are smaller than", "are lower than", or "are under".

Is it always appropriate to use "are less than" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the specific context. In very formal or scientific writing, it's best to ensure correct usage with uncountable nouns. Using "are fewer than" for countable nouns adds precision.