at the less

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the less" is not correct and not usable in written English.
It seems to be a mistaken combination of words, possibly intended to convey a meaning related to "at least" or "at the very least." Example: "You should try to save some money, at the less, $50 a month."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Our services are aimed at the less privileged and are entirely free of charge.

Princeton University

He cannot be put into the category of a toff laughing at the less privileged.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mai Chau was definitely at the less developed end of the Vietnamese spectrum.

The Guardian - Travel

Down at the less salubrious end of the table, Doncaster drew 0-0 with Burnley.

The Guardian - Sport

"I'm trying to get at the less restrained aspect," he said.

The New York Times

But the centre of gravity of the euro zone lies at the less liberal end.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Let's look at the less-dim side.

The New York Times

Fifteen to 20 people have shown up at the less-popular quit-smoking classes.

The New York Times - Health

So far the Chinese mills have made inroads mainly at the less-expensive end of the market.

The New York Times

At the less-expensive end is a knowledge-based approach that organizes data and language into highly malleable and helpful blocks of information.

Harvard Business Review

Indeed the top prizes for best play, director, designer and actress coincide exactly with those handed out at the less-publicised Critics Circlee awards this January.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Reframe your sentence to incorporate a more grammatically sound comparative structure if you find yourself using "at the less". Consider alternative phrasings such as "less frequently" or "less significantly" for improved clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "at the less" to imply a comparison; this phrase often leads to grammatical errors. Instead, use established comparative structures with "less" or "fewer" followed by the appropriate adjective or noun to ensure grammatical correctness and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the less" functions as a prepositional phrase, often intended to modify a verb or noun by indicating a lower degree or extent. However, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect and suggests alternative phrasings for improved clarity and grammatical accuracy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

36%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "at the less" appears frequently across various sources, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. Its intended purpose is to convey a reduced degree or extent, but it is better replaced with clearer and grammatically sound alternatives such as "to a lesser extent", "at a reduced level", or other comparative structures. The phrase's presence is most notable in News & Media and Scientific contexts, yet it is advisable to avoid it in formal writing to ensure clarity and grammatical accuracy. Using established comparative structures ensures your writing is both correct and precise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to a lesser extent

This alternative uses "to a lesser extent" to convey a reduced degree or impact, shifting the focus from a specific point to a broader comparison.

to a smaller degree

This option, "to a smaller degree", highlights the diminished scale of an action or quality, moving away from the direct comparison implied in the original.

at a reduced level

"At a reduced level" focuses on diminishing the quantity or intensity of something, differing from the original by emphasizing the amount rather than a comparative state.

at a minimal amount

"At a minimal amount" stresses the small quantity involved, differing by pinpointing the scarcity rather than a relative comparison.

on the lower side

"On the lower side" suggests a position or value that is below average or expected, changing the spatial metaphor compared to the original phrase.

to a slighter measure

"To a slighter measure" emphasizes the marginal quantity or extent, diverging from the original by its specific focus on measurement.

with less emphasis

"With less emphasis" redirects the focus to the level of importance or attention given, altering the context from a general comparison to a matter of focus.

at a diminished rate

"At a diminished rate" concentrates on the reduced pace or frequency of something, modifying the original by highlighting speed of occurrence.

on the infrequent side

"On the infrequent side" emphasizes the rare occurrence of something, diverging from the initial phrase’s comparative undertones to focus on frequency.

in a minor capacity

"In a minor capacity" refers to a smaller role or function, diverging from a direct comparison by emphasizing the degree of involvement or influence.

FAQs

How can I rephrase a sentence that includes "at the less" to improve its grammar?

Replace "at the less" with more grammatically sound alternatives such as "to a lesser extent", "at a reduced level", or "less frequently". This will improve the clarity and correctness of your sentence.

What are some common alternatives to using "at the less" in writing?

Common alternatives include using comparative adverbs or adjectives like "less often", "less frequently", or "to a lesser degree" depending on the context.

Is "at the less" grammatically correct in formal English writing?

No, "at the less" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. It is advisable to use alternative phrasings to ensure your writing is clear and grammatically sound.

Which is correct, "at the less" or "to a lesser extent"?

"To a lesser extent" is the correct and grammatically preferred option. "At the less" is generally considered ungrammatical in standard English.