dramatically less

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dramatically less" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant reduction in quantity, quality, or intensity compared to something else. Example: "The new policy has resulted in dramatically less waste being produced by the factory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's a conclusion that's dramatically less dramatic than the histrionic title of his book suggests.

The New York Times - Books

It is musically captivating; dramatically, less so.

The Guardian - Music

Some brands donated dramatically less than their calculated total.

The Guardian

Celebrity memoirs often get dramatically less interesting once their subjects become famous.

The New York Times - Books

And we have the technology to use dramatically less energy, too.

The Guardian

"The amount of money available for this will be dramatically less," he said.

The New York Times

On other occasions, life in the apartment turned dramatically less romantic.

The Guardian - Books

In remote communities health outcomes are dramatically poorer and education dramatically less resourced.

The Guardian

"Part of it is a wage effect: their wages have fallen dramatically less than younger people's.

The Guardian - Business

Your workforce becomes very nervous – and a nervous workforce is dramatically less productive and less innovative.

Independent

They only believe that the country's future has become dramatically less certain.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dramatically less" to emphasize a substantial and easily noticeable reduction or decrease in something. It adds impact to your statement, making the change seem significant.

Common error

Avoid using "dramatically less" in situations where the reduction is only slight or insignificant. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing seem hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dramatically less" functions as an adverbial modifier intensifying the adjective "less". It serves to emphasize the magnitude of a reduction or decrease in a particular quality or quantity. As Ludwig examples show, it is commonly used to describe significant differences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dramatically less" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that emphasizes a substantial reduction. According to Ludwig, it functions as an adverbial modifier, highlighting the magnitude of the decrease. While suitable for various contexts, it is most frequently found in news and media, as well as scientific publications. For alternatives, consider "significantly less" or "substantially less". To avoid misusing the phrase, reserve it for genuinely significant reductions, and ensure your writing doesn't become overly dramatic, which Ludwig AI confirmed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significantly less

Emphasizes the importance or notability of the reduction.

substantially less

Highlights the considerable amount of the decrease.

considerably less

Suggests the reduction is worthy of attention or thought.

markedly less

Focuses on how noticeable the reduction is.

vastly less

Highlights the great extent or scale of the decrease.

appreciably less

Suggests the reduction is easily perceived or measured.

noticeably less

Focuses on the ease with which the reduction can be observed.

radically less

Emphasizes the fundamental or transformative nature of the reduction.

strikingly less

Highlights how impressive or remarkable the reduction is.

decidedly less

Suggests a clear and unquestionable difference in the amount.

FAQs

What does "dramatically less" mean?

The phrase "dramatically less" signifies a considerable and noticeable decrease or reduction in something compared to a previous state or another entity. It emphasizes the magnitude of the difference.

How can I use "dramatically less" in a sentence?

You can use "dramatically less" to highlight a significant reduction, as in "The new energy-efficient appliances use "dramatically less" electricity than older models."

What are some alternatives to "dramatically less"?

Alternatives to "dramatically less" include "significantly less", "substantially less", or "considerably less". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "dramatically less"?

While "dramatically less" is grammatically correct, it is best reserved for situations where the reduction is truly significant and noticeable. In cases of minor reductions, using a milder phrase like "slightly less" may be more appropriate.