but less than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but less than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a quantity or amount that is below a certain threshold or limit. Example: "The project will take two weeks, but less than that if we work efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

More than zero but less than 100C.

The Economist

But less than half has been spent.

The Economist

Yes, but less than you think".

The New York Times

More than 90% but less than 99%.

The New York Times

But less than a 747.

The New York Times

Sturdily entertaining, but less than magical.

The New York Times - Arts

SERVICE: Obliging but less than polished.

The New York Times - Food

But less than 20% of buildings do".

The Guardian

But less than two-thirds end up graduating.

The New York Times

The Discovery proved to be practical but less than reliable.

Independent

But less than 1% of refugees worldwide are ever resettled.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing quantities, ensure the units of measurement are consistent to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The cost was high, but less than expected" clearly states the cost was lower than anticipated.

Common error

Avoid using "but less than" when comparing items that aren't directly comparable. Instead of saying, "He has experience, but less than enthusiasm", clarify the comparison: "He has experience, but his enthusiasm is greater than his experience."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but less than" functions as a conjunction introducing a qualification or limitation to a previous statement. Ludwig confirms this phrase indicates a value, amount, or quality that is below a certain threshold. It's used to make comparisons, indicating that something does not reach a certain level.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "but less than" is a versatile conjunction phrase used to indicate that something is below a certain limit or threshold. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including news, science, and formal writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the comparison is clear and that the items being compared are quantifiable. Ludwig's analysis shows the phrase's high frequency and widespread acceptance, making it a reliable choice for expressing limitations or boundaries in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but under

A simpler, more direct way of saying "but less than".

although below

Directly states the lower quantity or degree.

yet smaller than

Emphasizes the reduced size or extent.

however smaller than

Expresses contrast while indicating a smaller size.

though not exceeding

Formal and emphasizes a maximum limit.

but not beyond

Focuses on not surpassing a specific limit.

while remaining under

Highlights staying below a certain level.

but short of

Indicates falling just below a certain amount.

even if lower than

Highlights that it's lower, even considering other factors.

yet not quite

Indicates nearing, but not reaching, a specific value.

FAQs

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

You can use "but less than" to indicate a quantity, degree, or extent that is smaller or lower than a specified limit or amount. For example, "The project took time, but less than we anticipated."

What's a simpler way to say "but less than"?

A simpler alternative to "but less than" is "but under". For example, instead of saying "The temperature was high, but less than 30 degrees", you could say, "The temperature was high, but under 30 degrees."

Is it ever incorrect to use "but less than"?

While grammatically correct, "but less than" can be unclear if the comparison isn't direct. Ensure the items you're comparing are quantifiable or measurable. For example, avoid saying "He has experience, but less than passion"; instead, quantify the attributes being compared.

What's the difference between "but less than" and "even less than"?

"But less than" simply indicates a smaller quantity or degree. "Even less than" emphasizes that the quantity or degree is surprisingly or significantly smaller.