less abundant

USAGE SUMMARY

'less abundant' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe something that is not found in large quantities or to compare one quantity or amount to another. For example: "The forests in this region are less abundant compared to forests in other areas."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Freshwater fishes are less abundant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

; less abundant on the coast.

Cornell University

The parties are less abundant, generally smaller and ending earlier.

The New York Times

The less abundant genes are the really interesting ones.

MIT Technology Review

At the same time, food is becoming less abundant, Ms. Erickson said.

The New York Times

As automation depresses wages, jobs in factories become both less abundant and less appealing.

The New Yorker

CAPZA2 was less abundant in fasted chicks than fed for both lines (P < 0.05).

Nature

Thus less abundant phyla strongly contributed to α-diversity in groundwater.

Nature

In line with previous reports21, arterial networks were significantly less abundant.

Nature

Even common species are far less abundant, because their breeding areas have been severely reduced.

The Telegraph

TFs are less abundant, bind less stably to DNA and are more difficult to ChIP.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less abundant", ensure you clearly specify what is being compared. For instance, instead of saying "Resources are less abundant", specify "Resources are less abundant this year compared to last year".

Common error

Avoid using "less abundant" with countable nouns. "Fewer" should be used instead. For example, instead of "less abundant cars", use "fewer cars".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less abundant" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying nouns to indicate a smaller quantity or lower prevalence. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It often describes something not found in large quantities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

68%

News & Media

19%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less abundant" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase, indicating a smaller quantity or reduced prevalence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and useful expression. Its usage is particularly common in scientific, news, and academic writing. While "less abundant" generally enjoys broad applicability, being attentive to the specific context is crucial. When describing countable objects, "fewer" might be more precise. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively communicate degrees of scarcity or prevalence with clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scarcer

Single word alternative. More concise.

in smaller quantities

More explicit about the quantitative aspect.

not as plentiful

Emphasizes the lack of abundance.

reduced in number

Focuses on numerical reduction.

not as common

Focuses on the rarity of the subject.

dwindling

Suggests a decreasing trend over time.

diminished

Implies a reduction in size or importance, as well as quantity.

relatively rare

Emphasizes the uncommon nature.

in short supply

Highlights the limited availability.

decreasing in frequency

Implies something is observed less often.

FAQs

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

"Less abundant" is used to describe something that exists in smaller quantities compared to something else. For example: "Water is "less abundant" in the desert than in the rainforest."

What are some alternatives to saying "less abundant"?

You can use alternatives such as "scarcer", "not as plentiful", or "reduced in number" depending on the context.

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

While both can be used, "fewer resources" is more appropriate when referring to countable resources. "Less abundant" is better suited for uncountable nouns like water or time.

What's the difference between "less abundant" and "not as common"?

"Less abundant" emphasizes quantity or amount, while "not as common" focuses on frequency or occurrence. For example, "pandas are less abundant" refers to their population size, while "seeing pandas is not as common" refers to how often you encounter them.