far less able

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "far less able" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the abilities of two subjects, indicating that one is significantly less capable than the other. Example: "In terms of problem-solving skills, she is far less able than her colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

"They are into very structured routines and far less able to adapt when all that is shattered".

The New York Times

Meanwhile, Maradona the coach proved far less able than Maradona the player, and Argentina's last World Cup title, in 1986, receded further into the rearview mirror.

The New York Times - Sports

James I, who, like Elizabeth, claimed divine authority, was far less able than she to maintain the authority of the throne.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Cutbacks had meant, he said, that few new books were bought and local libraries were far less able to supply books on loan.

The Guardian

The value of this spiritual lesson was seen as outweighing the practical drawback of a Pope who was far less able to attend to the routine business of running a church with 1.2 billion adherents.

The New Yorker

Based on the task force's findings, Rely was removed from the market and other tampon brands were redesigned so that their surfaces were far less able to provide a growth medium for the bacterium.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Others, however, offered far less, and were able to build in hidden fees or to delay delivering the funds or to change currency at disadvantageous rates — all of which consumers only learned about after the fact.

Los Angeles Times

If a specific experience can give you an irrational fear of something, logically, a good one – or one that makes you catastrophise the outcome far less – should be able to alleviate it.

Vice

The router-like VoIP devices can be a tad tricky to set up (especially for neophytes) and only being able to use one handset is far less convenient than being able to pick up a phone anywhere in your house.

TechCrunch

By contrast, poorer areas, where council tax accounts for a much smaller proportion of their total incomes, will be able to raise far less and will, as a result, be less able to offset the latest round of central government funding reductions.

The Guardian

Such was the fundamentalism with which he stuck to the 4-2-3-1 4-2-3-1 4-2-3-1 4-2-3-1lesystemividual teamst with able to plan and dismantle the Partenopei.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "far less able", ensure that the comparison is clear. Specify what the subject is less able to do compared to what or whom.

Common error

Avoid using "far less able" without providing context for the comparison. For example, instead of saying "He is far less able", specify "He is far less able to manage a team than his predecessor".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "far less able" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that the subject possesses a significantly lower degree of ability compared to another entity or a general expectation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "far less able" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing a notable deficiency in someone's capabilities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common occurrence across diverse sources, with primary usage in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in the comparison to avoid ambiguity. While suitable for various settings, more precise language might be warranted in formal contexts. Alternative phrases like "considerably less capable" or "significantly less competent" offer similar meanings with slight variations in tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerably less capable

Emphasizes a noticeable difference in capability but with a slightly different tone.

significantly less competent

Focuses on competence, suggesting a marked deficiency in required skills or knowledge.

much less proficient

Highlights a lack of proficiency, indicating a lower level of skill or expertise.

markedly less skilled

Emphasizes the visible difference in skill level compared to someone else.

distinctly less adept

Highlights a clear lack of natural ability or skill.

substantially less qualified

Implies a significant difference in the qualifications or credentials possessed.

noticeably less equipped

Focuses on the lack of necessary resources, skills or attributes.

appreciably weaker

Indicates a measurable or easily perceived deficiency in strength or ability.

demonstrably less effective

Suggests that there is observable proof that someone or something is less effective.

not nearly as good

A more informal way of expressing inferiority in skill or ability.

FAQs

How can I use "far less able" in a sentence?

You can use "far less able" to compare the abilities of two subjects, indicating one is significantly less capable than the other. For example: "In terms of problem-solving skills, she is "far less able" than her colleagues".

What phrases can I use instead of "far less able"?

Alternatives include phrases like "considerably less capable", "significantly less competent", or "much less proficient" depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "far less able" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, consider the nuance. In some formal contexts, more precise language might be preferable. Alternatives like "substantially less qualified" might be more appropriate depending on the context.

How does "far less able" compare to "not as able"?

"Far less able" implies a more significant difference in ability than "not as able". The use of "far" emphasizes the disparity, making it a stronger statement of comparative ability.