ever less

USAGE SUMMARY

"ever less" is a grammatically correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It is often used to compare the gradual decrease of something over time. Example: As technology advances, the need for manual labor is becoming ever less prevalent in many industries.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He would answer, ever less ashamedly, "the bourgeoisie".

The Guardian - Books

The result of the interplay of complex feedback systems is becoming ever less comprehensible to individual people.

European Journal of Futures Research

Ever less".

The New York Times

Is more ever less?

The New York Times - Books

They will care ever less about bloodlines.

The Economist

But this is looking ever less likely.

The Economist

That is ever less the case.

The Guardian - Opinion

No poet was ever less pompous.

The Guardian - Books

First, the Castros are becoming ever less communist.

The Economist

In her 30s, a woman becomes ever less fecund.

The Economist

As banks' pockets bulge again, they grow ever less popular.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ever less" to describe a trend or change that is happening gradually over time. This phrasing emphasizes the ongoing nature of the reduction.

Common error

Avoid using "ever less" to describe sudden or abrupt changes. The phrase implies a continuous and gradual decrease, not an immediate shift.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ever less" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating a gradual decrease or reduction over time. It modifies verbs or adjectives to express the ongoing nature of something diminishing, as Ludwig shows with various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ever less" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to denote a continuous and gradual decrease over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used in various contexts, especially in News & Media. To use it effectively, remember that it emphasizes an ongoing trend, not a sudden change. Consider alternatives like "decreasingly" or "steadily declining" to diversify your writing. Keep in mind that while the phrase is versatile, its slightly formal tone makes it most appropriate for neutral to formal registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decreasingly

This single word adverb directly conveys the meaning of something becoming less over time, offering a concise alternative.

to a diminishing extent

This phrase provides a more formal way of expressing the gradual reduction in degree or quantity.

progressively smaller

Focuses on the size aspect of something that's diminishing, suitable when the context involves physical dimensions or abstract quantities.

steadily declining

Emphasizes the consistent and unwavering nature of the decrease.

gradually reducing

Highlights the gradual process of reduction, applicable when emphasizing the rate of change.

on the wane

This idiomatic phrase suggests a decline in power, influence, or importance.

becoming scarcer

Suitable when referring to something that is becoming less available or abundant.

dwindling steadily

Stresses that the entity is diminishing in a consistent manner.

in gradual decline

It puts emphasis on the decline of something instead of just the fact that it is diminishing.

shrinking incrementally

Highlights the incremental process through which anything diminishes over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "ever less" to describe a gradual decline. For example, "As technology advances, the need for manual labor becomes "ever less" important."

What are some alternatives to "ever less"?

Alternatives to "ever less" include "decreasingly", "to a diminishing extent", or "steadily declining", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "less and less" instead of "ever less"?

Yes, "less and less" is a similar and often interchangeable phrase. Both convey the idea of a gradual reduction, though "ever less" might be considered slightly more formal in some contexts.

What's the difference between "ever less" and "even less"?

"Ever less" describes a continuous trend of decreasing, while "even less" suggests a comparative degree of reduction. "Even less" typically emphasizes that something is smaller or fewer than something else already considered small.