less big

USAGE SUMMARY

"less big" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to compare two relative sizes, such as "this chair is less big than that one".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Less big towns on 50/285 for sure.

The Guardian

Here's hoping for less Big Brother and more Bear Grylls as the camp is split.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Ms. Bloom's children are "all more or less big people now," she said.

The New York Times - Books

You get to the solution more quickly with less "big budget possibilities" clutter.

The Guardian

"Now the links that are left are less and less famous, less and less big".

The New York Times - Tech

It's less Big Brother and more hundreds of tittletattle little brothers.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

"China's Use of Big Data Might Actually Make it Less Big-brotherish". Huang, Yasheng.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Scotty Lago, a good friend of Pearce's who had had far less big-event success, won bronze.

The New York Times - Sports

Cooking and eating well is much harder than just eating less, "Biggest Loser" contestants said.

The New York Times - Food

Increasingly popular for its modern amenities (and less big-city traffic than downtown Puerto Vallarta) the population of Nuevo Vallarta has exploded since development began there in earnest in the 1990s.

Huffington Post

Until Democrats stop embracing conviction-less, big money pariahs like McAuliffe, and ignore the lessons of 2008, I'd rather lose a few more elections than continue to embrace these scoundrels.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less big" to compare the relative sizes of two items, suggesting one is smaller than the other. It's particularly effective in informal contexts where a more direct comparison is desired.

Common error

While acceptable in informal settings, avoid "less big" in formal documents or academic papers. Opt for more precise alternatives like "smaller" or "reduced" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less big" functions primarily as a comparative adjective, modifying nouns by indicating a reduced size or magnitude. It's used to compare two entities, stating that one is smaller or less significant than the other, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

2%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less big" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that functions as a comparative adjective. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, especially in informal contexts, to express a relative difference in size or significance. While frequent in News & Media, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "smaller" or "reduced" in academic or professional settings. This ensures clarity and maintains a professional tone, avoiding the potential for misinterpretation in more formal environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

smaller

Direct synonym indicating a decrease in size.

not as large

Formal way of expressing a reduced size or scale.

diminished

Suggests a reduction in size, importance, or impact.

reduced

Indicates a decrease in quantity, size, or intensity.

more compact

Emphasizes a smaller and denser form.

less significant

Focuses on reduced importance or consequence.

not as prominent

Highlights a decrease in visibility or importance.

downsized

Suggests a deliberate reduction in size or scale.

miniaturized

Emphasizes a significant reduction in size, often to a very small scale.

scaled-down

Implies a proportional reduction in size or scope.

FAQs

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

You can use "less big" to compare the size or importance of two things, like "This phone is "less big" than the previous model" or "The problem is "less big" than we initially feared."

What are some alternatives to "less big"?

Alternatives to "less big" include "smaller", "not as large", or "reduced". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of formality required.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less big"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct, although it's considered informal. According to Ludwig, it's perfectly usable when comparing relative sizes, especially in casual conversation or writing.

When should I avoid using "less big"?

Avoid using "less big" in formal writing, academic papers, or professional communications. In these contexts, "smaller", "not as large", or more specific terms are preferable.