far less time

USAGE SUMMARY

"far less time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare two different amounts of time, where one amount is much shorter than the other. For example: "It takes far less time to clean thirty boxes than it does to clean a hundred."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

— have been addressed and averted in far less time.

The New York Times - Sports

Both served far less time than their original sentences.

The New York Times

He would probably receive far less time under federal guidelines.

The New York Times

She had far less time to think about him.

The New Yorker

And mediocre barbecue demands far less time, attention, discipline and labour.

The Economist

But they take far less time to obtain, and they cost less, too.

The New York Times

The leaders will be on air for far less time than their counterparts elsewhere.

The Economist

I have remained healthy, with far less time spent in the medical loop.

The New York Times

Yet they spend far less time in their hometown than they would choose.

The Guardian

"We have murderers who get far less time," Judge Brinkema said.

The New York Times

Ms. Sunshine said many landlords now take far less time to clinch deals with nonprofit groups.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the duration of tasks or processes, use "far less time" to emphasize a significant reduction in the required time. For example, "Using the new software takes "far less time" than the manual method."

Common error

Avoid using "far less time" when the difference in duration is minimal or negligible. "Slightly less time" would be more appropriate in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "far less time" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It indicates a comparative degree, emphasizing that one activity or process requires significantly less duration than another.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "far less time" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize a significant reduction in duration when comparing two activities or processes. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in various contexts. It is particularly prevalent in news and media, as well as scientific writing. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the difference in time is indeed substantial. If you're seeking alternatives, consider phrases like "significantly shorter duration" or "considerably reduced timeframe" to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significantly shorter duration

Emphasizes the notable difference in the length of time.

considerably reduced timeframe

Highlights the extent to which the timeframe has been diminished.

markedly briefer period

Stresses the noticeable shortness of the period.

substantially lessened time commitment

Focuses on the decreased amount of time required or invested.

appreciably quicker interval

Indicates a noticeable improvement in speed or efficiency.

much abridged timeline

Implies that the timeline has been shortened or condensed.

vastly decreased time expenditure

Highlights the significant reduction in the amount of time spent.

noticeably swifter completion

Indicates a clearly observable increase in the speed of finishing something.

infinitely briefer moment

Suggests a very brief, almost immeasurable, amount of time.

reduced time allocation

Focuses specifically on the adjustment of the amount of time assigned.

FAQs

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

Use "far less time" to compare two activities where one takes significantly less time than the other. For instance, "Traveling by plane takes "far less time" than traveling by train."

What are some alternatives to "far less time"?

Alternatives include "significantly shorter duration", "considerably reduced timeframe", or "markedly briefer period", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "much less time" instead of "far less time"?

"Much less time" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning, but "far less time" emphasizes a greater difference in duration. The choice depends on the degree of difference you want to highlight.

When should I use "far less time" versus "a little less time"?

Use "far less time" when there's a substantial difference in the time required, and "a little less time" when the difference is minimal. For example, "The new process requires "far less time", only an hour compared to the previous four," versus "This method takes "a little less time", maybe five minutes less."