is well below

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is well below" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is significantly lower than a certain standard, level, or expectation. Example: "The temperature today is well below the average for this time of year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The temperature is well below freezing.

The Economist

Today it is well below $90.

The Economist

This is well below a living wage".

The Guardian - Business

This is well below Nigeria's peer countries.

The Guardian

Unemployment is well below the national rate.

The New York Times

This is well below the WHO limit.

Nature

Trump is well below 50percentt.

The Washington Post

His approval rating is well below 50%.

The Guardian - Opinion

Her income is well below $45,000.

The Washington Post

That is well below expectations of $1.17 a share.

The New York Times

That is well below the actual cost of travel.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is well below" to clearly indicate that a value or quantity is significantly lower than a reference point. This is effective when comparing data, expectations, or standards.

Common error

Avoid using "is well below" without a clear reference point. Always specify what the subject is lower than to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "Performance is well below", specify "Performance is well below expectations."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is well below" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb or clause. It indicates the degree to which something falls under a specific threshold or expectation. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is commonly used to express a noticeable discrepancy between an actual value and a reference point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is well below" is a versatile expression used to indicate that something is significantly lower than a specified value or standard. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English. Commonly found in news and media and scientific contexts, it serves to highlight substantial discrepancies. When using this phrase, ensure that the comparison is clear and that the reference point is well-defined. Alternatives such as "is significantly lower than" or "is far below" can be used to achieve a similar effect. Remember to avoid vagueness and always provide a clear context for comparison.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is far below

Implies a large gap or distance from the reference point.

is significantly lower than

Highlights the statistical or practical importance of the difference.

is substantially less than

Emphasizes a considerable difference in quantity or degree.

is considerably under

Similar to 'substantially less', but can apply to targets or expectations.

is markedly beneath

A more formal way to express a noticeable difference below a certain level.

falls short of

Indicates a failure to reach a required or expected standard.

does not reach

A more literal way of saying something is lower than a specific value.

is inferior to

Implies a lower quality or value compared to something else.

is a fraction of

Highlights a very small proportion relative to the expected amount.

is dwarfed by

Emphasizes that one thing is much smaller than another.

FAQs

How can I use "is well below" in a sentence?

You can use "is well below" to indicate that a certain value or level is significantly lower than another. For instance, "The current oil price "is well below" $90".

What are some alternatives to "is well below"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is significantly lower than", "is substantially less than", or "is far below", which all convey a similar meaning of being considerably less than a certain point.

Which is correct, "is well below" or "is below"?

"Is below" indicates that something is less than a certain value. "Is well below" emphasizes that it is significantly less than that value, implying a larger difference.

What's the difference between "is well below" and "is slightly below"?

"Is slightly below" suggests a minor difference, while ""is well below"" indicates a significant and noticeable difference between two values or levels.