is less common than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is less common than" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare the frequency or prevalence of two items, indicating that one is not as frequently encountered as the other. Example: "The use of this term is less common than its synonym, which is widely recognized."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His 5... ed6 is less common than 5... cd6.

The New York Times

In Europe, tipping is less common than in the U.S.

Harvard Business Review

Melanoma is less common than other major types of skin cancer but it's the most dangerous.

Harvard University

We find that preemptive non-use is less common than failed patents.

Research Policy

Bacterial invasion of the conjunctiva is less common than viral infection.

Britannica

Regurgitation is less common than heartburn and more difficult to control with antireflux treatment.

Nature

Such integrity is less common than you might think in theater.

The New York Times

Bronze is less common than copper, and it is notably rarer in the lower levels.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Well-meaning coercion is less common than in Europe, though it can still backfire spectacularly.

The Economist

"I don't know for sure that Spanish olive oil fraud is less common than Italian," he says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Wei says negative, stereotyping and disrespectful media coverage of LGBT people is less common than it was five years ago.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clarity, follow "is less common than" with specific data or evidence that supports your statement, enhancing the persuasiveness of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "is less common than" without a clear understanding of the context. Ensure your comparison is relevant and based on accurate data to prevent misleading the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is less common than" serves as a comparative adjective phrase, indicating that one entity or event occurs with lower frequency compared to another. Ludwig examples show its broad applicability across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is less common than" is a versatile and grammatically sound comparative expression used to indicate a lower frequency or prevalence of one thing compared to another. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's widely used across diverse fields such as science, news, and general knowledge, maintaining a neutral tone suitable for various audiences. When using this phrase, clarity and accuracy in comparison are key to effective communication. It's important to ensure the comparative context is well-established and supported by relevant data to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not as common as

A direct synonym, maintaining the same level of formality and conveying an identical meaning.

is rarer than

Emphasizes scarcity, suggesting a lower occurrence rate.

is less frequent than

Focuses on the occurrence rate or how often something happens.

is not as prevalent as

Highlights the extent to which something is found or spread.

occurs less often than

Specifically points to the frequency of an event or instance.

is seen less than

Implies observation or visibility, suggesting fewer instances are noticed.

is subordinate to

Suggests a lower position in a hierarchy or ranking of importance or frequency.

is outnumbered by

Indicates a smaller quantity or count in comparison.

is second to

Positions something as being of secondary importance or frequency.

is unusual compared to

Highlights the atypical nature of something when contrasted with another.

FAQs

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

Use "is less common than" to compare the frequency of two things. For example, "Public transportation in rural areas "is less common than" in urban centers."

What is a good alternative to "is less common than"?

Alternatives include "is rarer than", "is not as prevalent as", or "occurs less often than", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "less common than" or should I use "less commonly than"?

"Less common than" is correct when comparing the frequency of nouns or concepts. "Less commonly than" would be used to modify a verb. For example, "Driving a car is less common than riding a bike in Amsterdam" is correct. "People travel by car less commonly than by bike in Amsterdam" would need the adverb.

What's the difference between "is less common than" and "is unusual compared to"?

"Is less common than" simply states that something occurs less frequently, while "is unusual compared to" implies that something deviates from the norm or expectation.