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CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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less applying

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less applying" is not correct in standard written English.
It is unclear what you intend to convey with this phrase, as "less" typically modifies countable nouns or adjectives, and "applying" is a gerund that does not fit this structure. Example: "I find that I am less applying myself to my studies this semester."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

They did so, moreover, without using profanity against a player, much less applying physical humiliation or bigoted insults.

The natural gas used to feed the engine generally is less applying the recommendations, but it is never higher.

However visualizing the data in such settings is a challenge, much less applying standard statistical methodology (standard errors and p-values) that have may have little or no meaning in very large sample sizes.

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"But that is not how it has always been read, still less applied".

If you're willing to drive a company into the ground for less, apply by calling Lehman Brothers at (212) 52127000.

News & Media

The New York Times

And most of the nation's poor have never had a bank account, much less applied for a loan.

News & Media

The New York Times

It is difficult to think of a less applied subject than palaeontology, but China through a mixture of sheer size and geological variety is a happy hunting ground for fossil collectors.

News & Media

The Economist

With 310 million people who have roots from around the world, leading social scientists would be hard-pressed to identify one American culture, much less apply it to a soccer team.

However, TSI analysis has been less applied in this domain.

Indeed, they seem to be less applied than supervised learning in the domain of context recognition.

However, VAR and VEC models have been less applied to statistically forecast long-term international crude oil prices in current literature.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When intending to convey a decrease in application, clarify the subject being applied and the context in which it is being reduced. For instance, rephrase "less applying" to "applying to a lesser extent" for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "less applying" when you mean "applying less frequently" or "applying to a lesser extent". The former is grammatically incorrect and can lead to misinterpretation. Instead, focus on clear, precise language to convey your intended meaning effectively.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

2.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less applying" functions as a descriptive element, attempting to modify the action of 'applying'. However, it's grammatically unconventional. Ludwig AI explains that the phrase is not correct in standard written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less applying" is grammatically incorrect, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While its intent is to express a reduction in the act of applying something, it's best to avoid this phrasing in favor of clearer alternatives such as "applying less frequently" or "applying to a lesser extent". Usage appears sparsely across scientific and news media sources, but its non-standard structure diminishes its effectiveness in formal communication. Prioritize grammatically sound alternatives to ensure clarity and precision in your writing.

FAQs

What does "less applying" mean?

The phrase "less applying" is not standard English. It is typically used to describe a reduced frequency or intensity of application. Rephrasing for clarity is recommended.

How can I use "less applying" correctly in a sentence?

It is recommended to avoid the phrase "less applying" due to its grammatical incorrectness. Instead, use phrases like "applying less frequently" or "applying to a lesser extent".

What are some alternatives to "less applying"?

Alternatives include "reduced application", "diminished application", or "less frequently applied". Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

Is "less applying" grammatically correct?

No, "less applying" is not grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use phrases like "applying to a smaller degree" or "application is reduced".

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Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

2.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: