be a lot less

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be a lot less" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a significant reduction in quantity, degree, or intensity of something. Example: "If we implement these changes, the workload will be a lot less overwhelming for the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And it works out to be a lot less expensive.

Cornell University

There will be a lot less to share.

The New York Times

If they did, there would be a lot less trouble.

The New York Times

"I'd be a lot less anxious about coming out now.

The Guardian

"It used to be a lot less," she said.

The New York Times

"Next time there will be a lot less trust".

The New York Times

"It used to be a lot less expensive," he said.

The New York Times

They expected the White child to be a lot less aggressive than the Black child.

University of California, Berkeley

A future EU now promises to be a lot less grand.

The Economist

Unlike earlier spending sprees, however, the consumption will be a lot less conspicuous.

The New York Times

That, naturally, will be a lot less popular than a miraculous technical fix.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be a lot less", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being reduced. Quantify the reduction if possible for greater impact.

Common error

Avoid using "be a lot less" without specifying what is being reduced. Vague usage can lead to confusion. Always provide a clear reference point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be a lot less" functions as a comparative expression, indicating that something will decrease in quantity, intensity, or degree. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is correct. For example, "the workload will be a lot less overwhelming" shows a reduction in the feeling of being overwhelmed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Academia

9%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be a lot less" is a versatile expression used to indicate a significant reduction or decrease in something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts. It is particularly common in news and media, as well as academic settings. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is being reduced. Related phrases such as "decrease significantly" and "reduce substantially" can provide alternative ways to convey a similar meaning. While generally neutral in tone, consider more formal alternatives for highly professional or academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be considerably reduced

Highlights the fact of being smaller than it used to, adding a sense of precision.

be significantly lower

Emphasizes that the new value will be much more below the initial one.

become much smaller

Directly states a reduction in size or quantity, suitable for situations where physical dimensions are relevant.

lessen greatly

Emphasizes the extent to which something becomes less, highlighting the magnitude of the change.

reduce substantially

Highlights the reduction process and the magnitude of the decrease, implying a significant impact.

decrease significantly

Emphasizes the act of decreasing to a considerable extent, focusing on the change rather than the resulting state.

decline markedly

Focuses on the downward trend and the distinctness of the change, often used in formal contexts.

diminish considerably

Focuses on the lessening or weakening aspect, suggesting a notable reduction in strength or importance.

drop sharply

Implies a rapid and significant decline, often used in the context of numbers or measurements.

fall noticeably

Indicates a decline that is easily observed or perceived, focusing on the visibility of the reduction.

FAQs

How can I use "be a lot less" in a sentence?

You can use "be a lot less" to indicate a significant reduction in something. For example, "If we carpool, our expenses will "be a lot less"."

What phrases are similar to "be a lot less"?

Similar phrases include "decrease significantly", "reduce substantially", and "diminish considerably", each conveying a notable reduction.

Is "be a lot less" formal or informal?

"Be a lot less" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferable in highly professional or academic writing.

How does "be a lot less" compare to "be a little less"?

"Be a lot less" implies a significant reduction, whereas "be a little less" suggests a slight or minor reduction. The choice depends on the magnitude of the reduction you wish to convey.