it is less

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is less" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing quantities, qualities, or degrees, indicating that something is smaller or lower in some aspect. Example: "In this case, it is less effective to use traditional methods than to adopt new technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is less bureaucratic.

The Economist

It is less respected now.

Independent

But it is less grim.

The Economist

Now it is less sure.

The Economist

It is less colourful, really".

The Guardian - Music

It is less popular now.

The New Yorker

And it is less transparent.

The Economist

It is less so today.

The New Yorker

How to make it is less clear.

The Economist

Yet, paradoxically, it is less important.

The Economist

Sometimes, though, it is less benign.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is less", ensure the comparison is clear. Specify what "it" refers to and what it is being compared to for clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "it is less" without specifying the basis of comparison. For instance, instead of saying "it is less", clarify with "it is less expensive than..." or "it is less effective in..."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is less" primarily functions as a comparative expression. It indicates that something possesses a smaller degree of a particular attribute when compared to something else. This is supported by Ludwig and its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

34%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is less" is a versatile phrase used to make comparisons, indicating that something has a smaller degree of a certain quality or quantity. Ludwig's AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. The phrase appears most frequently in "News & Media" and "Science", suggesting its broad applicability across various contexts. When using "it is less", ensure that the comparison is clear and specific to avoid ambiguity. Remember to use "it is less" with uncountable nouns, while using "it is fewer" with countable nouns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's not as much

Emphasizes a comparison where the subject falls short in quantity or degree.

it's comparatively smaller

Highlights the smaller size or extent of something in relation to another.

it has diminished

Focuses on the reduction or decrease in something over time.

it's to a lesser extent

Indicates a reduced degree or scope of something.

it's not quite as

Suggests a slight difference in quality or intensity compared to something else.

it is somewhat reduced

Emphasizes that a reduction has occurred to a certain degree.

it's relatively minor

Highlights that something is of small significance in comparison.

it's on a smaller scale

Focuses on the reduced size or scope of an activity or operation.

it's marginally lower

Indicates a slight decrease or reduction in something.

it pales in comparison

Emphasizes that something is significantly weaker or smaller when compared to another.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is less" to compare the degree, amount, or quality of something. For example, "It is less expensive to travel during the off-season", or "It is less common now than it used to be".

What are some alternatives to "it is less"?

Alternatives to "it is less" include phrases such as "it is lower", "it is smaller", "it is diminished", or "it's not as much", depending on the context.

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

"It is less" is used with uncountable nouns, while "it is fewer" is used with countable nouns. For example, "it is less water" (water is uncountable) versus "it is fewer apples" (apples are countable).

What's the difference between "it is less" and "it is lacking"?

"It is less" implies a comparison or reduction in quantity or quality, while "it is lacking" means something is missing or insufficient. For instance, "it is less expensive" compares prices, whereas "it is lacking essential features" indicates a deficiency.