either less than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "either less than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing quantities or values, indicating that one option is below a certain threshold. Example: "The budget for the project should be either less than $10,000 or more than $20,000."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Peri-landing Hazcam images of the plume created during sky crane destruction constrains the particle radius to be either less than 23 μm or greater than 400 μm.

Advances in Space Research

The analysis covers the cases when the excitation frequency is either less than or greater than the fundamental frequency of the beam.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

There are many factors that cause abnormal formation pressures, which may be either less than, or greater than, the pressure resulting from the normal hydrostatic pressure gradient of the region.

Developments in Petroleum Science

Patients with mania/hypomania were either less than (SF-12 mental subscale) or equal to (EuroQol) euthymic patients, while patients in a mixed episode resembled those in a depressive episode on both indices.

Comprehensive Psychiatry

Totals reported by former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty ($4.5 million), Rep. Michele Bachmann ($4.2 million) and Herman Cain ($2.5 million) were all either less than expected or relatively weak showings.

The Washington Post

Importing sophisticated weapon systems does not guarantee a sophisticated defense capability if the support system (fuel, spares, ammunition, repairs, and overhaul procedures) is either less than satisfactory or less than adequately funded.

Britannica

Qualification has a significant effect on the model (p = 0.04); those with a qualification of either less than year 12, year 12 or equivalent were less likely to consult with CM practitioners compared to those with a university degree.

Nature

but for some is either less than 1 or nonexistent.

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

Earlier studies investigated either less than 20 years of assimilated data set or historical ENSO cases in an AGCM simulation.

Carbon Balance and Management

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Within recent memory, British venues offering the spectacle of women publicly undressing for male edification typically were either less-than-salubrious pubs or working men's clubs or found amid the red lights of London's Soho.

BBC

FpCompare fp_in1, fp_in2, in1>=in2) Returns either less-than or greater-than-or-equal, but you should read this.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "either less than", ensure that you provide a contrasting alternative, typically introduced by "or", to maintain logical balance and clarity in your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "either less than" without a corresponding "or" that presents an alternative. For example, instead of saying "The cost is either less than expected", clarify by adding "or greater than expected".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "either less than" functions as a comparative conjunction, introducing a condition where a value falls below a specified threshold, often followed by an alternative condition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

68%

News & Media

19%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "either less than" is a versatile comparative conjunction widely used to indicate a quantity or value that is below a certain threshold. As verified by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse fields such as science, news, and academia. To use it effectively, always provide a contrasting alternative condition. Common errors include omitting this contrasting element, which can lead to ambiguity. Alternatives include phrases like "below a certain value" or "smaller than a given amount". By understanding its function, purpose, and potential pitfalls, you can confidently use "either less than" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

below a certain value

Focuses on a value being under a specified limit.

beneath a certain level

Indicates a position or value below a specified point.

under a specified limit

Highlights being below a certain boundary.

smaller than a given amount

Specifies that a quantity is not as large as another.

lesser in magnitude

Describes a value being smaller in size or importance.

not exceeding a threshold

Emphasizes that a value does not go over a particular limit.

not as great as

Compares two items, indicating one is smaller or of lower value.

lower than expected

Indicates a result or value that is beneath what was anticipated.

falls short of

Implies that something doesn't reach a certain target or requirement.

inferior to a standard

Suggests something does not meet a certain quality or level.

FAQs

How do I use "either less than" in a sentence?

Use "either less than" to present two possibilities, where one option is below a certain threshold. For example, "The fee is "either less than" $50 or it is more than $100".

What can I say instead of "either less than"?

You can use alternatives like "below a certain value", "smaller than a given amount", or "not exceeding a threshold" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "either less than" or "either fewer than"?

Use "less than" for uncountable nouns (e.g., money, time) and "fewer than" for countable nouns (e.g., items, people). For example, "either less than $100" versus "either fewer than 50 items".

What's the difference between "either less than" and "at least"?

"Either less than" indicates a value below a certain point, while "at least" specifies a minimum value. They represent opposite ends of a spectrum.