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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
combined less
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "combined less" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express a reduction in combination or a lesser degree of combination, but it lacks clarity and proper context. Example: "The results were combined less than expected, leading to inconclusive findings."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
6 human-written examples
Add the spinach, dill and chives, and stir together just until the ingredients are combined, less than a minute.
News & Media
She will teach five courses in the fall and spring combined — less than the number she often taught in a single semester as a part-timer.
News & Media
All three data-sets studied to verify the results of phase-1 contained (individually and combined) less X-rays than the initial data-set.
Other primary cancers of the thyroid such as squamous cell carcinoma (SCCa), sarcoma and lymphoma are extremely rare (combined less than 1%).
Science
Because similar risk factors were identified in analyses using different reference groups (i.e., monthly, less than monthly, or none), here we only present results from the multivariate logistic regression models using weekly or more frequent incontinence as the outcome and the combined less than weekly incontinence as the reference group.
Science
First, we chose EMSE combinations for in-hospital death that (1) had a higher AUROC than the AUROC of the STESS, (2) had a high sensitivity (>0.6) and specificity (>0.6) at the calculated cutoff point, and (3) combined less than four parameters.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
54 human-written examples
Thus, herein we describe for the first time heavily glycosylated IFN analogs with a remarkable improvement in pharmacokinetic properties, which allow us to project drugs that combine less frequency of administration with enhanced therapeutic efficacy.
Science
Meanwhile, at the age of 28 days, compressive strengths of specimens combining less than 50%% of CS were evaluated slightly lower or similar compared to that of a control concrete.
Therefore, we have to combine less than seven attributes at a time.
Science
The power of the studies reviewed here lies not in single gene alterations but in the ability to combine less commonly altered genes into pathways on the basis of known biology and function.
Science
Categorical variables were also created to compare the frequency of consumption of specific non-core food groups (outlined in corresponding results table) by combining "less than once a week" or "never" compared to "1-2 times per week" or more.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Avoid using the phrase "combined less" in formal writing. Rephrase to use grammatically correct alternatives like "less combined" or "combined to a lesser extent" for clarity.
Common error
The phrase "combined less" incorrectly positions 'less' as modifying 'combined.' Ensure adverbs like 'less' modify the appropriate verb or adjective to maintain grammatical correctness and clarity.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "combined less" typically functions as a modifier intended to indicate a reduction or decrease after a combination. However, Ludwig AI indicates that the phrasing is grammatically incorrect. The examples in Ludwig show varied attempts to convey this meaning, often in scientific or news contexts.
Frequent in
Science
50%
News & Media
41%
Academia
9%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "combined less" is an attempt to describe a reduction following a combination. However, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. While examples exist in both scientific and news contexts, it's advisable to use more precise and grammatically sound alternatives such as "less combined" or "combined to a lesser extent". These alternatives ensure clarity and are suitable for formal writing. Remember that while the intention is understandable, correctness is key.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
combined to a lesser extent
Emphasizes the degree or extent to which something is combined is reduced.
combined with a reduction
Focuses on a decrease or reduction alongside the combination, adding clarity.
less when combined
Inverts the structure to highlight the 'less' aspect after the combination.
combined with a lower amount
Replaces "less" with "lower amount" for greater specificity.
reduced in combination
Highlights that the reduction occurs within the combined state.
combined, resulting in a decrease
Adds a causal element, indicating the combination leads to a decrease.
combined to show a decline
Focuses on demonstrating a decline as a result of the combination.
integrated with a smaller quantity
Uses "integrated" as a synonym for "combined" and specifies a smaller quantity.
aggregated with diminished effect
Employs more formal vocabulary to indicate a reduced impact upon aggregation.
joined resulting in fewer
Expresses a consequence of joining, highlighting the resulting reduction in number.
FAQs
How can I correct the phrase "combined less" in a sentence?
You can rephrase it as "less combined" or "combined to a lesser extent" to ensure grammatical accuracy and clarity.
What does "combined less" incorrectly imply in a sentence?
The phrase "combined less" suggests that the act of combining is somehow reduced, which is often not the intended meaning. Clearer alternatives focus on the result being smaller or reduced in some way.
Is "combined less" ever appropriate in formal writing?
No, "combined less" is generally inappropriate for formal writing due to its grammatical awkwardness. Opt for more precise and grammatically sound alternatives like "reduced in combination".
What is a common mistake when using "combined less"?
A common mistake is the incorrect placement of the adverb "less", leading to a grammatically incorrect phrase. Ensure "less" modifies the intended element by rephrasing as "the combination resulted in less".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested