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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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less busier

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"less busier" is not correct or usable in formal written English.
You can use either the comparative form of the adjective - "less busy" - or the adverb - "less busily" - depending on the context. Example: We have been working less busy lately so that we can spend more time with our families.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Selection bias from convenience sampling may have occurred because patients were more likely to have been enrolled at less busier or better staffed times.

If you find a less busier spot, you can still make a profit, but sell it for cheaper prices.

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Less busy.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Convenient and sometimes less busy than Wegmans.

No less busy is the choreography.

News & Media

The Guardian

One hopes they're less busy now.

Less busy areas are patrolled by car.

News & Media

The New York Times

"It's less busy than I expected it would be.

Pace yourself, take breaks and visit smaller, less busy temples.

News & Media

The Telegraph

The screen layout is far less busy now.

If our plans all work, I should be less busy.

News & Media

The Guardian
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "less busier" in formal writing; instead, use "less busy". This ensures grammatical correctness and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using double comparatives such as "less busier". "Busier" is already a comparative form; adding "less" creates redundancy and grammatical error. Stick to "less busy" to convey the intended meaning correctly.

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

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

80%

Authority and reliability

1.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less busier" functions incorrectly as a comparative adjective phrase. The intended purpose is to describe something that has a lower level of activity compared to something else. However, the construction itself is grammatically flawed, as Ludwig AI confirms, making it unsuitable for standard English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less busier" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal English. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a double comparative, which is redundant. Instead, use "less busy" to correctly convey the intended meaning of reduced activity. While some examples exist, they don't justify the use of this phrase in standard writing. Alternative phrases like "quieter" or "more relaxed" can also be used depending on the specific context. Always prioritize grammatical correctness to ensure clarity and credibility in your writing.

FAQs

How do I correct the phrase "less busier"?

The correct way to say "less busier" is to use the standard comparative form "less busy". The word "busier" is already a comparative, so adding "less" is grammatically incorrect.

Is "less busier" ever appropriate to use?

No, "less busier" is not appropriate in formal English. It's considered a grammatical error. The correct alternative is always "less busy".

What's the difference between "less busier" and "less busy"?

"Less busier" is grammatically incorrect due to the double comparative. "Less busy" is the correct and standard way to express a lower level of activity.

What are some alternatives to saying "less busy"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "quieter", "more relaxed", or "less hectic" instead of "less busy".

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Source & Trust

80%

Authority and reliability

1.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: