has been less

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'has been less' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used as part of the verb phrase 'has been lessened'. For example, "The noise from the construction has been lessened since the workers started using quieter machinery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Britain has been less reticent.

The New York Times

But Congress has been less accommodating.

The New York Times

The A.F.C. has been less successful.

The New York Times

But the reality has been less so.

The Economist

The result has been less innovation.

The New York Times

Mr Stoiber has been less forthcoming.

The Economist

Here reform has been less successful.

The Economist

The reality has been less clear-cut.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, the reaction has been less enthusiastic.

The New York Times

"There has been less compromise".

The New York Times - Style

There has been less homesickness.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been less", ensure you clearly specify what the subject is being compared to. This provides context and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "has been less" without a clear point of reference. Ensure the reader understands what is being compared to what to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been less" functions as part of a verb phrase, typically used to express a comparative statement indicating a decrease or reduction in something over time. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability. It highlights a change from a previous state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been less" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to indicate a decrease or reduction over time. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable, making it a reliable choice for expressing comparative changes. Its prevalence in news, scientific, and formal contexts underscores its broad applicability and neutral tone. When using this phrase, ensure a clear context for comparison to maximize clarity and effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has decreased

Focuses directly on the action of decreasing.

has diminished

Emphasizes a gradual reduction in importance or quality.

has reduced

Highlights the act of making something smaller or less.

has declined

Suggests a downward trend or deterioration.

is not as much

Provides a more direct comparison of quantity or degree.

is smaller

Emphasizes the reduced size or amount.

is lower

Focuses on the reduced level or intensity.

is weaker

Highlights the diminished strength or effectiveness.

is not as significant

Emphasizes the reduced importance or impact.

is not as prevalent

Indicates a decrease in commonness or frequency.

FAQs

How to use "has been less" in a sentence?

Use "has been less" to indicate a reduction or decrease in something compared to a previous state or another entity. For example, "The traffic congestion "has been less" this week compared to last week".

What can I say instead of "has been less"?

You can use alternatives like "has decreased", "has diminished", or "is not as much" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "has been less" or "had been less"?

The choice between "has been less" and "had been less" depends on the time frame. "Has been less" refers to a change that continues to the present, while "had been less" refers to a change completed in the past. For example: "The pollution has been less since the factory closed" vs. "The pollution had been less before the new regulations were rolled back".

What's the difference between "has been less" and "is less"?

"Has been less" implies a change over time, whereas "is less" simply states a current condition. Example: "The noise "has been less" since they moved the construction site" versus "The noise "is less" disruptive now".