be much less numerous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be much less numerous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a reduction in quantity or frequency of something compared to another group or time period. Example: "After the new regulations were implemented, the number of applicants began to be much less numerous than before."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Given this, it is thus not surprising that dioecious species should be guarded against inbreeding via higher mutations loads, and thus have a much lower tendency towards speciation, and thus be much less numerous than those with complete or partial hermaphrodism.

Biology Direct

When R 0 is greater than 1, the expectation is that a new epidemic will eventually infect a significant percentage of the population if it is not stopped by interventions or chance extinction; conversely, when R 0 is less than 1, chance events may lead to a large number of cases, but these are always expected to be much less numerous than the total population size.

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Forest reindeer are much less numerous.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the biggest primaries in the days immediately ahead, which take place in California, New York, Michigan and Ohio, Mr. Bush will be able to rely much less on Christian conservatives, who are much less numerous in those states, as are conservatives of any stripe.

The New York Times

Because the larger-size anti-tank mines cost more to produce and lay, they are much less numerous, increasingly more sophisticated, and generally found on roads or around military installations and other centers of travel and communication.

MIT Technology Review

Separate subspecies are sometimes recognised in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, based on average differences in the breast-band and overall depth of the upperparts coloration, but the species is arguably better characterised by its having two colour morphs, of which the dark morph is much less numerous.

Cornell University

Because of the existence of a common and relatively homogeneous philosophical background—Hebrew texts were much less numerous and less diverse than Arabic philosophical works—and the fact that Jewish philosophers reading and writing in Hebrew read the works of their contemporaries and immediate predecessors, something like a dialogue can be discerned.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Science-driven instruments for "small science" in Europe are much less numerous.

Science Magazine

In situ measurements of pH were much less numerous compared to vertical profiles of temperature and salinity.

International Aquatic Research

The French data compiled by Alexandrescu et al. (1996) are much less numerous (pink circles in Fig. 2a with dates preceded by "P" for Paris).

Earth, Planets and Space

[10] Despite this improved understanding of barriers to participation, studies reporting possible solutions have been much less numerous.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be much less numerous" when you want to emphasize a noticeable reduction in the count or quantity of something compared to a previous state or another group.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "be much less numerous" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "be fewer" or "be less common" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be much less numerous" functions as a comparative expression, quantifying a subject's reduced presence or occurrence relative to another. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be much less numerous" is a grammatically sound way to express a considerable decrease in quantity or frequency. Ludwig AI confirms that this expression, though correct, is relatively rare. The phrase is mostly used in science, news, and encyclopedia contexts. When writing, consider whether a more common or simpler phrasing like "be fewer" would be more appropriate for your intended audience. Also make use of the suggestions from the list of related phrases above to add more variety and nuances to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be substantially fewer

Emphasizes a significant reduction in number.

be significantly reduced in number

Highlights the act of reduction in quantity.

be considerably smaller

Focuses on the diminished size of a group or quantity.

be markedly less frequent

Emphasizes the decreased occurrence of something.

be notably scarcer

Highlights the increased rarity of something.

be appreciably lower in count

Focuses on the measurable decrease in the number of items.

be much reduced in prevalence

Highlights decrease in widespread existence or occurrence of something.

exist in smaller quantities

Focuses on the reduced amount of something present.

appear with less regularity

Highlights decrease in consistency and stability over time.

be thin on the ground

Emphasizes the scarcity and limited availability of something.

FAQs

What does "be much less numerous" mean?

The phrase "be much less numerous" means to exist in significantly smaller quantities or to occur with much less frequency compared to something else. It emphasizes a notable reduction in number or occurrence.

How can I use "be much less numerous" in a sentence?

You can use "be much less numerous" to compare the quantity or frequency of two things, indicating that one is significantly smaller or less frequent than the other. For example, "After the new regulations, complaints began to "be much less numerous" than before."

What are some alternatives to "be much less numerous"?

Alternatives include "be substantially fewer", "be significantly reduced in number", or "be considerably smaller". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "be less numerous" or "be much less numerous"?

"Be less numerous" indicates a simple reduction in quantity, while "be much less numerous" emphasizes a more significant or noticeable reduction. The choice depends on the degree of difference you want to highlight.