generally less

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "generally less" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing two or more things to indicate that one is typically of a lower degree or amount than the other. Example: "This model is generally less efficient than the previous version, which affects overall performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For generic buyers, coupons are generally less useful.

WikiHow

Prices are generally less than$200.

The New York Times

But it is generally less outrageous.

The New York Times - Arts

The viral form is generally less serious.

The New York Times

Madden, robust but generally less mobile, swallows his words.

The Guardian

Such sales are generally less lucrative than retail sales.

The New York Times

Others interviewed in Bridgeport on Tuesday were generally less sympathetic.

The New York Times

The food, however, was generally less successful than the view.

The New York Times

In shortcrust pastry, however, starch is generally less important.

The Guardian

Aitchison's Mr Wylie is generally less enthusiastic about the sector.

The Guardian - Business

The other allowed methods are generally less advantageous.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "generally less", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is being compared. For example, "This model is "generally less" efficient than the previous version" provides clear context.

Common error

Avoid using "generally less" when the difference is absolute or always true. Use "less" instead. For instance, don't say "This is "generally less" harmful" if it's always harmless; use "This is less harmful."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generally less" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier that qualifies an adjective or another adverb, indicating a tendency or commonality that is not absolute. Ludwig AI indicates this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "generally less" is a versatile adverbial modifier used to indicate a common but not absolute difference in degree or amount. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news media, science, and general discourse.

When using this phrase, it's important to provide a clear comparison and avoid using it in situations where the difference is always true. Consider alternatives like "typically reduced" or "usually lower" for subtle variations in meaning. The phrase is appropriate for formal writing, but be mindful of whether a more precise term would be more suitable in your specific context. "Generally less" is very frequent and can be applied in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

typically reduced

Focuses on the aspect of reduction rather than a comparison of amounts or degrees.

usually lower

Replaces "generally" with "usually", emphasizing the typicality of being lower.

in most cases smaller

Specifies the comparison to size and adds emphasis to quantity.

more often diminished

Emphasizes the reduction in frequency or intensity.

ordinarily not as much

Uses "ordinarily" for typicality and adjusts the wording to indicate a smaller quantity.

on average, a lesser amount

Replaces "generally" with "on average" and "less" with "a lesser amount", focusing on numerical quantity.

commonly not as significant

Shifts the focus to significance rather than simple quantity or degree.

largely not as great

Emphasizes a substantial but not absolute difference in magnitude.

mostly less frequent

Focuses specifically on the frequency of occurrence.

predominantly not as intense

Shifts the focus towards the intensity of an action, feeling, etc.

FAQs

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

Use "generally less" to indicate that something is typically, but not always, of a smaller quantity, degree, or intensity compared to something else. For example, "The cost of living here is "generally less" than in New York City."

What can I say instead of "generally less"?

You can use alternatives like "usually lower", "typically reduced", or "in most cases smaller" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "generally less" in formal writing?

Yes, "generally less" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you need to express a tendency or commonality rather than an absolute statement. However, consider whether a more precise term might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "generally less" and "always less"?

"Generally less" implies a tendency that holds true in most cases but not necessarily all. "Always less", on the other hand, indicates that something is invariably smaller or of a lower degree. For example, "This car uses "generally less" fuel" means it usually uses less fuel, but "This car uses "always less" fuel" means it unfailingly uses less fuel.