for less pay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for less pay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing compensation or salary in relation to a job or task, typically indicating that the payment is lower than expected or compared to another option. Example: "Many employees are willing to take on additional responsibilities for less pay in order to gain experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

More work for less pay.

The New York Times

He was offered a custodial job for less pay.

The New York Times

Signing for Less Pay What's this business coming to?

The New York Times - Sports

The Internet is proving the same principle, but for less pay.

The New Yorker

DaimlerChrysler and Siemens forced more work for less pay by threatening to relocate production.

The Economist

9.25am GMT Q: Why should the teachers have to do more work for less pay?

The Guardian

I realised that I couldn't do any more of those shifts for less pay.

The Guardian

We are, as a society, doing more work, less effectively, for less pay.

The Guardian

A dozen senior campaign aides either agreed to work without salary or for less pay.

The New York Times

People can try to adjust their expectations, take a job for less pay.

The New York Times

Fewer staff are working ever harder to treat more patients for less pay.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the context: "For less pay" often implies a comparison to a previous or expected compensation level. Ensure this comparison is clear to the reader.

Common error

Ensure clarity by explicitly stating what the pay is less than. For instance, instead of just saying "they worked for less pay", specify "they worked for less pay than their predecessors" to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for less pay" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It indicates the conditions under which an action (usually working or accepting a job) is performed. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for less pay" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe situations involving reduced compensation. Ludwig AI analysis of numerous examples reveals that it functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, often used in news and media to describe economic conditions, labor disputes, or personal sacrifices. While the phrase itself is neutral, the context often implies hardship or a negative comparison. When writing, ensure clarity by specifying what the pay is less than. Consider alternatives like "with lower compensation" or "at a reduced rate" depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for a smaller salary

Specifically refers to a reduced fixed payment.

with lower compensation

Formally indicates reduced financial remuneration.

for diminished wages

Focuses on the reduction in hourly or weekly earnings.

with less remuneration

Formally refers to reduced compensation or payment.

at a reduced rate

Emphasizes the lower cost or charge for a service or work.

underpaid

Implies insufficient compensation relative to the work performed.

for a discounted fee

Highlights a reduced charge, typically for services.

at a bargain price

Highlights the advantageous cost of a purchase or service.

at a cut price

Suggests a significantly reduced price, often temporary.

on the cheap

Informally describes obtaining something at a very low cost.

FAQs

What does "for less pay" mean?

The phrase "for less pay" means receiving a lower amount of money or compensation than previously, or compared to others for the same work.

What's a more formal way to say "for less pay"?

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "with lower compensation" or "for diminished wages" to convey a similar meaning.

How can I use "for less pay" in a sentence?

You can use "for less pay" to describe situations where someone is earning a reduced salary or wage, such as "Many workers are now forced to work "for less pay" due to the economic downturn".

What are some alternatives to "for less pay"?

Some alternatives include "at a reduced rate", "for a smaller salary", or simply saying someone is "underpaid".