for doing less

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for doing less" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a situation where someone is being compensated or rewarded for achieving a lower level of effort or output. Example: "He was criticized for doing less than what was expected in his role, yet he still received a bonus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

I'm a sucker for doing less.

The New York Times

Some denounce it for doing less to curb greenhouse gases than was once promised.

The Economist

That mantra must not be used as an excuse for doing less rather than more.

The New York Times

What a waste of a life, just so you can make us all feel bad for doing less".

Independent

Because freedom is not free and your excuse for doing less than you could is leaving town in January.

The New York Times

The Steelers' James Harrison just got fined seventy-five thousand dollars for doing less than that — and what he did was on an N.F.L. field, to a guy in pads and a helmet.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Gunns has divided Tasmanians over its penchant for secrecy and for doing less-than-transparent deals with the island state's Labor Party government.

The Economist

While private businesses are rewarded for doing more with less, success in government results from doing less with more.

Forbes

"Doing more for those whom morality (yi) permits doing more for and less for those whom morality permits doing less for is called 'relation ranking.'…If the kinship is close, do more; if the kinship is distant, do less" (EC9).

SEP

That sounded like code for the state doing less with less, full stop.

The Economist

You see the best solution for the Bank as "doing less".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advocating for "doing less", clearly articulate the rationale behind it. Explain how reducing effort can lead to increased efficiency, improved focus, or better results in the long run.

Common error

Avoid the common pitfall of equating "doing less" with subpar outcomes. Emphasize that strategic reduction of effort, coupled with smarter planning and execution, can often lead to higher-quality results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for doing less" acts as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun phrase. It often introduces the reason, justification, or consequence of reducing effort or activity. Ludwig's examples illustrate its varied usage across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

21%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for doing less" is a grammatically sound and commonly used prepositional phrase that conveys the reason or consequence of reducing effort or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its varied usage across contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific discussions. The phrase is generally neutral in register, making it suitable for diverse writing styles. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies why less is being done and what the result is, avoiding the misconception that less effort always equates to lower quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Cutting back

Implies a reduction in activity or involvement.

Reducing effort

Focuses on the act of decreasing effort rather than the reason or justification.

Decreasing workload

Highlights the reduction of tasks or responsibilities.

Minimizing input

Emphasizes reducing the amount of resources or energy expended.

Scaling down

Suggests reducing the scope or intensity of an activity.

Streamlining activities

Suggests making processes more efficient to require less work.

Limiting involvement

Focuses on reducing one's participation or engagement.

Conserving energy

Highlights the aspect of saving energy by doing less.

Simplifying tasks

Focuses on making tasks easier to require less effort.

Optimizing for efficiency

Emphasizes improving processes to achieve more with less effort.

FAQs

What does "for doing less" mean in a sentence?

The phrase "for doing less" typically implies being rewarded, justified, or criticized for reducing effort or activity compared to what is expected or possible. It suggests that the quantity or intensity of action has been deliberately decreased.

What are some alternatives to "for doing less"?

You could use phrases like "reducing effort", "minimizing input", or "cutting back" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "for doing less"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. The phrase functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to explain the reason or justification behind a particular action or outcome.

How can I use "for doing less" effectively in my writing?

Use the phrase "for doing less" when you want to highlight the consequences, whether positive or negative, of reducing effort or activity. Always ensure the context makes it clear why less is being done and what the result is.