certainly less

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certainly less" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a reduction or decrease in a particular quality or quantity. Example: "The new model is certainly less expensive than the previous version."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Certainly less commercial.

The Guardian - Music

"Certainly less than Democrats know.

The New Yorker

Certainly less than 10 years.

Independent

But it is certainly less likely.

The New York Times

Certainly less toxic than all the oil".

The New Yorker

Colleges today are certainly less demanding.

The New York Times

They are certainly less fantastical.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Smaller but better preserved, certainly less crowded.

The New Yorker

They were certainly less well paid.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's almost certainly less expensive than replacing your smartphone.

The New York Times

But it is probably more useful and certainly less dangerous.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certainly less" to confidently state a decrease or reduction, ensuring the context supports a clear comparison. For example: "This approach is certainly less risky than the alternative."

Common error

Avoid using "certainly less" without establishing a clear point of comparison. Ensure the context provides a reference for what is being reduced, otherwise, the phrase becomes vague and lacks impact. For example, instead of saying "It is certainly less, " specify what 'it' refers to and what it's being compared to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certainly less" functions as an adverbial modifier intensifying the adjective 'less'. It emphasizes the speaker's confidence in the reduction or decrease being described. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "certainly less" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to confidently assert a decrease or reduction. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is primarily found in News & Media sources, suggesting a neutral register suitable for a wide range of contexts. When using "certainly less", ensure a clear comparison is established to avoid vagueness. For alternatives, consider "definitely less" or "undoubtedly less", depending on the desired emphasis and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

definitely less

Replaces "certainly" with "definitely", offering a slightly less formal tone while retaining the emphasis on assurance.

undoubtedly less

Substitutes "certainly" with "undoubtedly", highlighting the lack of doubt in the reduction.

assuredly less

Replaces "certainly" with "assuredly", emphasizing confidence in the decrease.

absolutely less

Substitutes "certainly" with "absolutely", intensifying the certainty of the reduction.

surely less

Replaces "certainly" with "surely", providing a more conversational tone while maintaining the sense of confidence.

indisputably less

Replaces "certainly" with "indisputably", emphasizing the lack of argument against the reduction.

unquestionably less

Replaces "certainly" with "unquestionably", suggesting that the reduction is beyond any doubt.

plainly less

Offers a more straightforward and direct alternative, emphasizing clarity in the reduction.

evidently less

Highlights that the reduction is clear and obvious, based on available evidence.

noticeably less

Focuses on the perceptibility of the reduction, making it easily observable.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "certainly less" in writing?

Use "certainly less" to confidently indicate a decrease or reduction when you want to emphasize the certainty of the difference. It's most effective when a clear comparison is established in the context.

What phrases can I use instead of "certainly less"?

Alternatives to "certainly less" include "definitely less", "undoubtedly less", or "assuredly less". The best choice depends on the desired tone and the specific context.

Is there a difference between "certainly less" and "probably less"?

"Certainly less" expresses a higher degree of confidence and assurance compared to "probably less". "Certainly less" indicates a strong belief in the reduction, while "probably less" suggests a possibility but not a certainty.

How does the tone of "certainly less" affect its use in formal writing?

While "certainly less" is generally acceptable in formal writing, ensure it aligns with the overall tone of the piece. In highly formal contexts, consider alternatives like "undoubtedly less" or "assuredly less" for a more refined expression.