better than less

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'better than less' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare two different amounts to indicate that one is larger than the other. For example, "I ran five miles today, which is better than less than I did yesterday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In asking, "Is More Choice Better Than Less?" the philosopher Gerald Dworkin once argued that the answer is "not always".

The New York Times

So, presumably, more monotonicity is epistemically better than less.

University of California, Berkeley

And that's a lot better than less connected".

The New York Times

Any determination should start with the presumption that more speech is better than less.

Harvard University

But just as one might expect, more exercise was better than less.

The New York Times - Health

Our view is that more organic production is better than less.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Sure we're concerned about anybody losing money, but we believe more information is better than less.

The New York Times

But more information, however uncomfortable, will always be better than less.

The Guardian

More access to information, thanks to improved search-engine indexing, is better than less.

The New York Times

Now, let us, as the lawyers say, stipulate that more information is always better than less.

The Washington Post

For something as precious as water, more regulation is better than less.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "better than less" to clearly communicate that a larger quantity, greater effort, or more information is more advantageous in a given situation. This phrase is particularly effective when emphasizing the benefits of quantity over scarcity or inaction.

Common error

While "better than less" is generally correct, avoid using it in situations where a more specific comparison would be more effective. For instance, instead of saying 'more communication is better than less', specify the type of communication or its purpose to provide a clearer message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "better than less" functions as a comparative expression, typically used to indicate that a larger quantity or a greater degree of something is more desirable or advantageous than a smaller amount. Ludwig AI affirms this usage, providing numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

26%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "better than less" is a common and grammatically sound comparative expression used to convey that a greater quantity or degree of something is generally preferable. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase appears frequently in diverse contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Science. While versatile, it's essential to consider whether a more specific comparison would enhance clarity in certain situations. Alternatives like "preferable to a lesser extent" and "greater than a reduced number" can offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas. Understanding the appropriate context ensures effective communication and prevents overuse in scenarios requiring greater detail.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

greater than a reduced number

Directly contrasts the size or amount using 'greater' and 'reduced'.

superior to a smaller amount

Highlights the superiority over a reduced quantity.

more valuable than a slighter degree

Emphasizes the increased value compared to something of a smaller degree.

preferable to a lesser extent

Emphasizes preference and uses 'lesser extent' to indicate a smaller degree.

outweighing a smaller measure

Highlights the concept of outweighing or exceeding in importance or quantity.

more advantageous than a smaller portion

Focuses on the advantageous aspect over a smaller part.

more desirable than a smaller quantity

Focuses on the desirability aspect, indicating something is wanted over something smaller.

above a diminished quantity

Indicates being above or beyond a reduced amount.

exceeding a lower degree

Emphasizes exceeding a specific, lower level or degree.

surpassing a minimal quantity

Highlights the act of surpassing a small or minimal amount.

FAQs

How can I use "better than less" in a sentence?

You can use "better than less" to compare two different quantities or degrees, indicating that the larger one is more desirable or advantageous. For example, "Having some savings is "better than less"" or "More effort is "better than less" when trying to achieve a goal".

What are some alternatives to saying "better than less"?

Alternatives include phrases like "preferable to a lesser extent", "superior to a smaller amount", or "more desirable than a smaller quantity", depending on the specific context. These options, like "greater than a reduced number", can add nuance to your writing.

Is it always true that "better than less" is a valid statement?

While generally valid, the principle of "better than less" might not hold in all scenarios. Sometimes, quality can be "better than quantity", or having just enough can be "more efficient than excess". Consider the context carefully.

When is it more appropriate to use "more than enough" instead of "better than less"?

Use "more than enough" when you want to convey that there is a surplus or an abundance, exceeding what is necessary. "Better than less" is more suitable when simply comparing two quantities without necessarily implying abundance. For example, having savings is "better than less", but a fortune may be "more than enough".