it fares less

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it fares less" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing the performance or outcome of something that is not as favorable as another. Example: "In this competition, it fares less than its main rival, which has a stronger track record."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Paradoxically, or maybe not, it fares less well than most of the others in a dialogue-free presentation.

The New York Times

Vietnam has won the event three times in the past ten years (in 2002, 2004 and 2006).Though the nation excels at international contest it fares less well in day-to-day work.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It fared less well with critics but featured one of the greatest demolitions of a stove in stage history.

The New York Times

In America, he feels, it fared less well, even before the contemporary menace posed by the Internet, iPods, and the polarization of the political sphere.

The New Yorker

Eugene O'Brien's first play, Eden, was the biggest new writing hit in Ireland in recent years (though it fared less well in London).

The Guardian

Although his work was embraced by book buyers — "Kate: The Life of Katharine Hepburn" spent nine weeks on the New York Times best-seller list in 1975 — it fared less well with book critics.

The New York Times - Books

CBS's new episodes of "Criminal Minds" at 9 and "CSI: NY" at 10, which each averaged 12.8 million viewers, lifted the network into second place on the night, but it fared less well at 8 with "Big Brother" (6 million).

The New York Times - Arts

It fared less well during the recent crisis and, coupled with the imprisonment of its most recent director, Robert Tantular, for embezzlement, was near collapse when it approached the central bank in 2008 for bailout funds, which it has yet to repay.

The New York Times

Others argue it fared less well on social indicators, including malnutrition and literacy rates.

BBC

But it has fared less well with computers themselves.

The Economist

In addition, his Alianza País (Country Alliance) party is likely to gain a majority in the legislature, though it may fare less well in mayoral votes.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it fares less" when comparing two or more entities, ensuring a clear benchmark for comparison. For example, "The company's new product fares less well compared to its predecessor in terms of customer reviews."

Common error

Avoid using "it fares less" without providing context for what it is being compared to. For example, avoid saying "It fares less", and instead specify "It fares less well than anticipated" or "It fares less well than its competitors".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it fares less" functions as a comparative statement, typically part of a larger sentence. It indicates that something performs or progresses with less success than something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in comparative contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it fares less" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a comparative lack of success or performance. While not extremely common, its presence in reliable sources like The New York Times, The Economist, and The Guardian, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, underscores its validity in formal and professional writing. The phrase functions to draw comparisons, often within neutral registers, making it suitable for news and analytical contexts. For richer expression, consider alternatives like "it performs worse" or "it doesn't do as well" to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it performs worse

Directly indicates a lower level of performance.

it doesn't do as well

A more informal way of expressing a less successful outcome.

it has a poorer showing

Focuses on the result or appearance of the performance.

it's not as successful

Emphasizes a lack of success in a general sense.

it struggles more

Highlights the difficulty or effort involved in achieving a positive result.

it meets with less success

A more formal way of indicating a lack of success.

it falls short

Implies a failure to reach a desired standard or target.

it underperforms

Specifically refers to performing below expectations.

it declines in quality

Focuses specifically on reduced quality compared to a previous state.

it is less effective

Highlights a reduced level of effectiveness compared to something else.

FAQs

How can I use "it fares less" in a sentence?

Use "it fares less" to compare the success or performance of something relative to something else. For example, "The sequel "it fares less" well with critics compared to the original movie".

What are some alternatives to "it fares less"?

You can use alternatives such as "it performs worse", "it doesn't do as well", or "it is less successful" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it fares less well"?

Yes, "it fares less well" is grammatically correct. The word "well" is an adverb modifying the verb "fares". The phrase indicates a comparison where something is not performing as successfully as something else.

What is the difference between "it fares less" and "it fares worse"?

While both phrases indicate a less favorable outcome, "it fares worse" typically implies a more significant difference in outcome than "it fares less". "It fares less" can suggest a smaller margin of difference.