considerably less than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "considerably less than" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It indicates a significant difference or decrease in quantity or degree. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as discussing prices, amounts, or measurements. Example: The price of the new phone is considerably less than the previous model, making it a more affordable option for consumers.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This made them seem considerably less than wholesome.

The New York Times - Magazine

They paid £20k, for considerably less than an hour.

The Guardian

The sum is considerably less than the $14bn originally demanded.

The Guardian - Business

Most cases, however, involve considerably less than $8 million.

The New York Times

"I earn considerably less than a Swiss employee would earn.

The Guardian

And what we pay is considerably less than you can pay in far worse places".

The Guardian

Yet Google's conduct in China has in recent months seemed considerably less than idealistic.

The New York Times - Magazine

Unfortunately, care for the diner's comfort is considerably less than the care lavished on nosegays.

The New York Times

He added: "Your culpability in the affray was considerably less than that of your co-defendants.

The Guardian - Music

(In general, private prison companies pay considerably less than public prisons).

The New Yorker

And those that are not backed by fact are worth considerably less than those that are.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "considerably less than" to highlight a notable discrepancy, especially when contrasting expectations versus reality, or comparing two distinct quantities or values.

Common error

While "considerably less than" is appropriate for formal writing, avoid using it in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "much less than" or "way smaller than" to maintain a natural and conversational tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "considerably less than" functions as a comparative qualifier. It modifies a noun or pronoun by indicating that it is significantly smaller in quantity, degree, or extent compared to something else. As Ludwig explains, it's a common comparative phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "considerably less than" is a common and grammatically correct comparative phrase used to highlight a notable difference or reduction. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Predominantly found in news and media, science and business contexts, it indicates that something is significantly smaller in quantity or degree compared to something else. While effective in formal and neutral registers, simpler alternatives may be more suitable for casual conversations. When using this phrase, ensure that the comparison is clear and the context supports the implication of a notable difference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substantially smaller than

Emphasizes the size difference, implying a notably smaller quantity or dimension.

significantly lower than

Focuses on a lower value or amount, highlighting the extent of the reduction.

markedly reduced compared to

Highlights the reduction in comparison to a previous state or standard.

appreciably diminished from

Stresses the noticeable decrease from an original amount or level.

noticeably inferior to

Shifts the focus to quality or performance, indicating a clear difference in standard.

well below the level of

Indicates a position far below a certain threshold or standard.

distinctly under

Emphasizes the clear difference in an amount, highlighting it's below a certain value.

far short of

Focuses on not reaching a specific target or expectation.

a good deal smaller than

Highlights a significant difference in size, emphasizing the magnitude.

nowhere near as much as

Emphasizes the difference with the lack of approximation to a higher quantity or amount.

FAQs

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

Use "considerably less than" to indicate a notable difference in quantity or degree. For example: "The project's actual cost was "considerably less than" the initial estimate."

What are some alternatives to "considerably less than"?

You can use phrases like "significantly lower than", "substantially smaller than", or "markedly reduced compared to" depending on the context.

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

While grammatically correct, "considerably less than" might sound too formal in casual conversations. In those cases, alternatives like "much less than" or "way smaller than" are more appropriate.

What's the difference between "considerably less than" and "slightly less than"?

"Considerably less than" implies a significant difference, while "slightly less than" indicates a minor difference. The choice depends on the magnitude of the difference you want to convey.