is less

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is less" can be used in written English and in speaking.
For example, you could say: "This version of the software is less user friendly than the last."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Israel is less patient.

The New York Times

"The cost is less.

The New York Times

Another is less sanguine.

The Economist

Picón is less diplomatic.

The New Yorker

It is less bureaucratic.

The Economist

Nothing is less certain.

The Economist

Edinburgh is less bothered.

The Economist

The traffic is less.

The New York Times

He is less coiled.

The New York Times

"Beef is less so".

The New York Times

Religion is less forgivable.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is less" to make direct comparisons, ensuring clarity by specifying what is being compared. For example, "This model is less expensive than the previous one."

Common error

Avoid using "is less" without a clear point of comparison; always specify what the subject is being compared to for clarity. For instance, instead of saying "The effort is less", specify "The effort is less than expected".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is less" functions as a comparative, indicating that something possesses a smaller degree of a particular attribute or quantity than something else. Ludwig shows examples where it compares abstract qualities like patience or concrete aspects like cost.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is less" serves as a versatile tool for making comparisons, highlighting reduced quantities, or diminished qualities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and extensively used, particularly in news and media. When employing "is less", ensure that your point of comparison is clear and precise to avoid ambiguity. Remember to select alternative expressions, like "is smaller" or "is not as", based on the specific context and the nature of the comparison you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is smaller

Replaces "less" with a direct synonym indicating reduced size or quantity.

is to a lesser extent

Formal alternative emphasizing the degree of reduction.

is not as

Expresses a comparison indicating a lower degree of something.

is reduced

Focuses on the state of being diminished or decreased.

is diminished

Similar to 'is reduced' but suggests a more gradual decline.

is comparatively lower

Highlights a comparison showing a lower value or state.

is not quite as

Expresses a slight difference indicating something almost but not entirely equal.

is hardly

Implies a minimal or negligible amount of something.

shows a decrease

Indicates a reduction in quantity or intensity.

is a decline

Highlights a downward trend or reduction over time.

FAQs

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

Use "is less" to compare two things, indicating one has a lower degree of a certain quality. For example, "The new version "is less complicated" than the old one".

What are some alternatives to saying "is less"?

You can use phrases like "is smaller", "is not as", or "is reduced" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is less" or "is fewer"?

"Is less" is used with uncountable nouns (e.g., "There is less water") while "is fewer" is used with countable nouns (e.g., "There are fewer apples").

What's the difference between "is less" and "is smaller"?

"Is less" is generally used for abstract quantities or qualities (e.g., "There is less stress"), while "is smaller" is typically used for physical size or countable items (e.g., "The box is smaller").