is getting less

USAGE SUMMARY

"is getting less" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is decreasing in amount or intensity over time. For example: The amount of rainfall this year is getting less and less.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Fortunately, it is getting less.

The Guardian

Seattle's port is getting less international trade.

The Economist

Yes, Congress is getting less smart.

The Washington Post

Congress is getting less deferential by the day.

The Economist

The amount corporations are paying is getting less and less.

Independent

The Associated Press: "Sunday night is getting less steamy.

The New York Times

"It is getting less now," I told Zaid.

The New York Times - Books

The north-east is getting less than a penny.

The Guardian - Opinion

Dracarys is getting less fun by the hour.

The New Yorker

And maybe it is getting less as we get older.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Jetting around Europe is getting less expensive, too.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is getting less" to describe trends or changes over time, especially when the reduction is gradual or ongoing. For instance, "The number of available resources is getting less due to increased demand."

Common error

Avoid using "less" when referring to countable items; use "fewer" instead. For example, it's correct to say "There are fewer students in the class" (countable) but "There is less water in the bottle" (uncountable).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is getting less" functions as a verb phrase in the progressive aspect, indicating an ongoing decrease or reduction in something. It describes a process of diminishing, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples of things becoming "less smart", "less expensive", or "less credible."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is getting less" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a gradual decrease or reduction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to use "fewer" instead of "less" when referring to countable items. When seeking alternatives, phrases like "is diminishing" or "is decreasing" can provide similar meaning with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is diminishing

Emphasizes a gradual reduction or decline in something.

is decreasing

Directly indicates a reduction in amount, size, or degree.

is declining

Suggests a downward trend or deterioration.

is reducing

Implies an active effort to make something smaller or less.

is waning

Indicates a fading or weakening, often used for abstract concepts like influence or power.

is dwindling

Suggests a gradual decrease to a very small amount.

is subsiding

Implies a decrease in intensity or activity, often used for things like pain or emotions.

is easing

Indicates a lessening of pressure or severity.

is abating

Suggests a reduction in force or intensity, often used for storms or negative feelings.

is tapering off

Describes a gradual decline, often used for quantities or activities.

FAQs

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

You can use "is getting less" to describe a gradual reduction in quantity, quality, or intensity. For example, "My patience "is getting less" with each passing day."

What are some alternatives to "is getting less"?

Alternatives include "is diminishing", "is decreasing", or "is declining", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct: "is getting less" or "is getting fewer"?

"Is getting less" is appropriate for uncountable nouns, while "is getting fewer" is for countable nouns. For example, "There is getting less traffic" versus "There is getting fewer cars".

What's the difference between "is getting less" and "is decreasing"?

While both phrases convey a reduction, "is getting less" often implies a more gradual or ongoing change, while "is decreasing" can refer to a more immediate or measurable reduction. So, they can be used interchangeably, but the nuance changes.