at its less

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at its less" is not correct in written English.
It seems to be an incorrect construction, possibly intended to convey a meaning related to "at its lowest" or "at its least." Example: "The project was at its less effective stage during the initial phase."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But at its less grandiose moments, the combination of expressive acting and kinetic action pays off in ways that are likely to satisfy both novices and adepts in martial-arts fandom.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

FedEx said the rates will increase at its less-than-truckload carriers Viking Freight, based in San Jose, Calif., and American Freightways, based in Harrison, Ark., which FedEx acquired in February for about $1.2 billion.

The New York Times

He pointed to a recent ICM poll that found one in four regular Co-op customers saying they would shop at its stores less as a result of the scandals.

The Guardian - Business

As the TSA "celebrates" its 10 year milepost, here's a look back at some of its less than stellar moments.

Huffington Post

Look at some of its less-known organizational practices, and you can learn a lot about our collective future.

Forbes

The deposit is broadly zoned, from more evolved trachyte at its base to less evolved trachyte at its top, and is similarly less evolved with increasing distance from the area of emission.

Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research

MI6, at its worst, was less effective than Rowan Atkinson's Johnny English or even Barbara Windsor's Daphne Honeybutt.

The Guardian - Film

But the company had a 24percentt drop in revenue over the same period, affected by lower attendance at its parks and less spending by customers.

The New York Times

Gushan’s price has declined from $5 at its IPO to less than $1.50 today.

Forbes

Life, at its heart, is less about what we get done than who we are.

Huffington Post

Linsanity -- the meteoric Knicks career of Jeremy Lin -- was at its peak for less than two months.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "at its less" in formal writing. Instead, opt for grammatically correct alternatives like "at its lowest" or "at its weakest" to ensure clarity and accuracy.

Common error

A common mistake is to assume "less" can directly modify "its" in this context. "Less" should typically be followed by a noun or adjective it is modifying. To correct this, rephrase the sentence to use a more appropriate construction such as "at its lowest point" or "when it is least effective."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at its less" appears as part of an adverbial phrase, attempting to modify a situation or state. However, Ludwig AI identifies this construction as grammatically questionable, suggesting it doesn't conform to standard English grammar rules. Proper alternatives should be employed to ensure clarity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at its less" is grammatically incorrect, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While it appears in some sources, particularly News & Media and Science, its usage is infrequent and should be avoided in favor of grammatically correct alternatives. Phrases like "at its lowest", "at its minimum", or "at its weakest" provide clearer and more accurate ways to express a diminished state or degree. When writing, it's best to prioritize grammatical accuracy and clarity over potentially confusing or non-standard constructions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at its lowest

Replaces 'less' with 'lowest' to indicate the absolute minimum or bottom level.

at its minimum

Substitutes 'less' with 'minimum' emphasizing the smallest possible quantity or degree.

at its worst

Replaces 'less' with 'worst', focusing on the most unfavorable condition or outcome.

at its nadir

Uses 'nadir' to denote the lowest point, often in a figurative sense like a low point in someone's career.

at its weakest

Emphasizes a lack of strength or effectiveness compared to other times.

at its feeblest

Highlights a state of extreme weakness or ineffectiveness.

at its smallest

Focuses on physical size or quantity being reduced to the least amount.

at its slightest

Indicates a minimal or negligible degree or amount.

at its most reduced

Highlights the act of something being diminished or decreased to a significant extent.

at its ebb

Implies a decline or weakening, drawing from the metaphor of a receding tide.

FAQs

How can I rephrase the sentence using "at its less"?

Instead of "at its less", consider using phrases such as "at its lowest", "at its minimum", or "at its weakest" to convey a similar meaning with correct grammar.

Is "at its less" grammatically correct?

No, "at its less" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. Prefer using alternatives that clearly indicate a diminished state or degree, such as "at its lowest" or "at its weakest".

What's the difference between "at its less" and "at its least"?

While "at its less" is grammatically questionable, "at its least" is a valid construction. "At its least" implies the smallest amount or degree, whereas "at its less" does not form a standard or coherent phrase in English. Consider the construction "at the very least" as well.

In what contexts might someone use "at its less," and how can I correct it?

If someone uses "at its less," they likely intend to express a state of reduced intensity or effectiveness. Correct this by using phrases like "at its weakest", "at its minimum", or "when it is less effective", depending on the intended meaning.