either less

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "either less" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is typically used in contexts where a comparison is being made, but it should be part of a larger phrase, such as "either less than" or "either less expensive." Example: "You can choose either less expensive options or more premium ones."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are either less or slightly "other".

Independent

Embedded grains become either less or none electrochemically reactive.

Electrochimica Acta

But investors were either less confident or more short-term in their perspective.

The New York Times

But as the 80s wore on, most of them grew either less weird or less successful.

The Guardian - Music

That means either less money available for other things such as doctors and teachers or tax increases.

The Guardian

Among the wealthiest, though, a full accoutrement of servants is either less appealing or an expense they no longer want.

The New York Times

In addition, this was experimentally validated using model samples that were either less dense or denser than water.

Computers and Electronics in Agriculture

In contrast, burning or thinning alone had either less of an effect or none at all, compared to untreated sites.

Forest Ecology and Management

We need "either less Europe or more Europe", said Lord Turner, the FSA's chairman, on February 10th.

The Economist

Women tend to be either less aggressive in demanding pain treatment or to be aggressive in ways that are misinterpreted as hysteria.

The New York Times - Magazine

But seducing a cartoon feels safer, an alternative to masturbatory fantasy that is either less or more hands-on, depending how you look at it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "either", ensure a parallel structure follows. For instance, prefer "either less than" or "either more than" over solely "either less" to provide a complete comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "either less" in isolation. This phrase typically requires a contrasting element (e.g. "either less than" or "either less... or more...") to form a grammatically sound and logical comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "either less" functions as a comparative conjunction, typically used to introduce one of two possibilities, where the first possibility involves a reduction or decrease. However, according to Ludwig AI, this phrase is often grammatically incomplete, requiring further context to be considered correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "either less" is used to introduce an alternative involving a reduction. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is often grammatically incomplete unless followed by a comparative element such as "than" or a contrasting alternative like "or more". While the phrase is common, particularly in scientific and news contexts, ensure its grammatical completeness for clarity. Consider using alternatives like "either fewer" or rephrasing to ensure grammatical correctness. Avoid using "either less" in isolation to prevent potential misinterpretation or grammatical errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

either fewer

Replaces "less" (typically for uncountable nouns) with "fewer" (for countable nouns).

either smaller

Substitutes "less" with "smaller", focusing on physical size or quantity.

either reduced

Replaces "less" with "reduced", implying a decrease or diminution.

either diminished

Uses "diminished" instead of "less", suggesting a weakening or reduction in importance.

either a decrease

Replaces the direct adjective with a noun phrase, indicating a reduction.

either a lessening

Uses the gerund form of "lessen", suggesting the process of becoming less.

either a decline

Replaces "less" with "a decline", focusing on a downward trend.

either a shortage

Substitutes "less" with "a shortage", implying an insufficient amount.

either a paucity

Replaces "less" with "a paucity", suggesting a scarcity or lack of something.

either a deficit

Uses "a deficit" instead of "less", implying an amount is insufficient.

FAQs

How can I correctly use "either less" in a sentence?

To use "either less" correctly, ensure it's part of a comparative structure. For example, use "either less than" when comparing quantities or "either less... or more..." when presenting two alternatives. Without this structure, the phrase is grammatically incomplete.

What are some alternatives to using "either less"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "either less" with alternatives such as "either fewer" (for countable items), "either smaller", or phrases like "either a reduction in".

Is it grammatically correct to say just "either less"?

According to standard English grammar, "either less" is often considered incomplete without a comparative element. It's better to use phrases like "either less than" or "either less... or more..." to provide a clearer comparison.

What is the difference between "either less" and "either fewer"?

"Either less" is generally used with uncountable nouns (e.g., "either less water"), while "either fewer" is used with countable nouns (e.g., "either fewer apples"). Using them interchangeably is a common grammatical error.