getting less and less

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting less and less" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual decrease in quantity, quality, or intensity over time. Example: "As the days go by, the sunlight is getting less and less each evening."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's getting less and less".

The New Yorker

The amount corporations are paying is getting less and less.

Independent

That, in spite of the times, which were getting less and less promising.

The New Yorker

Suddenly we're talking nine weeks, or nine or 10 games, and it's getting less and less".

Independent

"People are getting less and less sleep and their body clocks are more disrupted.

The New York Times - Health

"I'm getting less and less optimistic as graduation nears, and I'll have to start paying bills.

The New York Times

These are the things that kids are getting less and less of".

The New York Times - Tech

As advertising colonises the web, it seems to be getting less and less effective.

The Guardian - Tech

But America is not united and it is getting less and less unitable with each passing decade.

The New York Times

A jury is supposed to represent a defendant's peers, yet juries are getting less and less representative of society.

The Economist

"They're getting less and less able to analyze something and think critically, and pick apart the underlying elements.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something that is improving, consider using the reciprocal construction "getting better and better".

Common error

While "getting less and less" is perfectly acceptable in many contexts, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated vocabulary, like "diminishing" or "decreasing" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting less and less" functions as a progressive aspect construction, indicating a continuous and ongoing decrease. As supported by Ludwig, it's a valid way to express the idea of something gradually diminishing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "getting less and less" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression in English to describe a gradual decline. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous real-world examples, primarily from news and media sources. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives like "decreasing gradually" in academic or professional writing. The phrase effectively communicates a diminishing trend in various aspects, from tangible quantities to abstract qualities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diminishing over time

Focuses on the reduction occurring as time passes.

steadily declining

Stresses the consistent downward trend.

decreasing gradually

Emphasizes the gradual reduction in something.

progressively reducing

Focuses on the ongoing process of reduction.

becoming increasingly scarce

Highlights the growing rarity of something.

gradually dwindling

Implies a slow and steady decline.

experiencing a gradual reduction

A more formal way to express a slow decrease.

on the wane

Suggests a decline in power, influence, or popularity.

fading away

Implies a gradual disappearance or loss of intensity.

petering out

Describes something that is gradually coming to an end.

FAQs

What does "getting less and less" mean?

The phrase "getting less and less" signifies a gradual decrease in quantity, quality, or intensity over a period of time. It indicates a continuous decline in something.

How can I use "getting less and less" in a sentence?

You can use "getting less and less" to describe a downward trend or a diminishing quality. For example, "My patience is "getting less and less" with these constant delays."

What are some alternatives to "getting less and less"?

Alternatives include "decreasing gradually", "diminishing over time", or "becoming increasingly scarce". For instance, instead of saying "Opportunities are "getting less and less"", you could say "Opportunities are "decreasing gradually"".

Is it correct to say "getting less and less"?

Yes, "getting less and less" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe a gradual reduction. It's a standard way to express that something is diminishing over time.