but maybe less

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but maybe less" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting a possibility or a degree of something that might be lower than expected or previously mentioned. Example: "I enjoyed the movie, but maybe less than I thought I would."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

But maybe less than before.

The New York Times

If more journalists would try things like this, the chasm would still gape, but maybe less widely.

The New York Times - Books

"Before that, kids listened to hip-hop in English but maybe less than 1percentt could actually begin to understand".

The New York Times - Arts

Good news for the kids, but maybe less so for the drama: the little vignettes of loneliness from Henry, Philip and Stan this week are nicely done.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

So I wanted as I understand, many of the folks in this room have a pretty good background in machine learning and computational biology but maybe less of a background in neuroscience.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He added that working with Louis C. K. was "an incredibly joyful process from my standpoint" but "maybe less joyful for Louie, because I have so little to do, because he does everything himself".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Now, she wondered, "is there going to be pressure to cull the interesting, innovative titles" in favor of "more popular but maybe less-innovative titles?" Ms. Berger said she noted changes in DC's priorities in recent years.

The New York Times - Books

The pressure will be on us to an extent but there is maybe less pressure because people have written us off.

Independent

Had my husband been unexpectedly delayed, the balls we dropped would have been different (and the guilt maybe less, but that's a different discussion).

The New York Times

"I have known Billy Davies for two months, maybe less, but it feels like I have known him longer.

BBC

Yes, the battery issue remains — this thing may work for a couple of hours as a hotspot, maybe less — but there is no disputing the ease-of-use.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but maybe less" to introduce a contrasting idea that suggests a reduction in quantity, degree, or importance. This phrase is most effective when following a statement that implies a certain expectation or level.

Common error

While acceptable, overuse of "but maybe less" can make your writing sound less sophisticated. In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "however, potentially diminished" or "although, possibly to a lesser extent" to maintain a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but maybe less" functions as a conjunction phrase introducing a contrasting element that suggests a possibility of something being to a lesser degree. It typically serves to qualify a previous statement, implying a reduction or diminution. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but maybe less" serves as a conjunction phrase used to introduce a contrasting idea, suggesting a reduction in quantity, degree, or importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. While not exceedingly common, it is used across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. To ensure clarity and sophistication in your writing, consider alternative phrases like "possibly fewer" or "potentially diminished", especially in formal contexts. Remember to use "but maybe less" strategically to temper expectations or provide a nuanced perspective. Overusing the phrase can dilute the impact of your writing, so vary your language to maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but possibly fewer

Replaces "maybe less" with "possibly fewer", focusing on countable items.

but perhaps a smaller amount

Substitutes "maybe less" with a more formal phrase indicating a reduced quantity.

however, potentially diminished

Replaces the conjunction and qualifier with more formal synonyms.

yet, conceivably reduced

Uses "yet" instead of "but" and "conceivably reduced" for "maybe less".

though, arguably not as much

Replaces "maybe less" with "arguably not as much", adding a sense of debate.

although, possibly to a lesser extent

A more formal and elaborate way of saying "but maybe less".

nonetheless, perhaps a bit lower

Uses "nonetheless" for contrast and "a bit lower" to indicate a smaller quantity.

even so, conceivably not as significant

Replaces "but maybe less" with a phrase emphasizing reduced importance.

still, potentially not to the same degree

A more descriptive phrase that conveys a similar meaning.

however, it might be diminished

This alternative adjusts the sentence structure to offer a similar sentiment using different words.

FAQs

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

Use "but maybe less" to introduce a qualification or contrast that suggests a lower degree or amount than what was previously implied. For example, "The project was successful, but maybe less so than we initially anticipated."

What are some alternatives to "but maybe less"?

You can use alternatives like "possibly fewer", "perhaps a smaller amount", or "potentially diminished" depending on the context.

Is "but maybe less" grammatically correct?

Yes, "but maybe less" is grammatically correct and can be used to introduce a contrasting statement that suggests a lesser degree or quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the sentence is correct and usable in written English.

What is the difference between "but maybe less" and "but certainly less"?

"But maybe less" indicates a possibility of a lower degree or amount, while "but certainly less" indicates a definite and confirmed lower degree or amount. The former is used when there is uncertainty, and the latter when there is certainty.