less commonly

USAGE SUMMARY

"less commonly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare two or more things that are not equally common. For example, "Cheetahs are less commonly found in the wild than lions are."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Less commonly, the feet are affected.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These averages are much less commonly used.

The Guardian

Symptoms occur less commonly on giant pumpkin.

Cornell University

Less commonly, Silurian shales passively accumulated in broad platform settings.

Britannica

Referrals are less commonly made for women under 40.

The Washington Post

What Future for the Less Commonly Taught Languages?

Columbia University

Less commonly used resources are shown in darker yellow.

University of California, Berkeley

Many other organs can be less commonly affected.

Stanford University

Undergraduates can apply for a Less Commonly Taught Language (LCTL).

Columbia University

Less commonly, lymph nodes enlarge related to cancer.

Harvard University

Symptoms have been less commonly seen on leaves.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less commonly" to accurately compare the frequency of two or more events or phenomena, ensuring clarity in your writing.

Common error

In simple sentences where the infrequency is obvious, consider using a more direct word like "rarely" or "seldom" for a more concise and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less commonly" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate a lower frequency of occurrence. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is suitable for comparison. Consider, for example, "Symptoms occur "less commonly" on giant pumpkin."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

Academia

25%

News & Media

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverbial phrase "less commonly" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate a lower occurrence rate in comparison to something else. Ludwig AI confirms it is suitable for general use. Its prevalence spans across diverse fields like science, academia, and news, although it is most frequent in scientific contexts. While versatile, remember to opt for more concise terms like "rarely" when appropriate to enhance clarity. Understanding its function, purpose, and register will empower you to wield this phrase effectively in your writing, providing nuanced expressions of frequency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less frequently

Replaces "commonly" with "frequently", which is a direct synonym implying a lower rate of occurrence.

more rarely

Emphasizes the infrequency using "rarely" instead of "commonly", changing the focus slightly to the rarity of the event.

not as often

Uses a simpler structure to convey the same meaning, focusing on the lack of frequency.

to a lesser extent

Shifts the focus to the degree or magnitude to which something occurs, implying reduced frequency.

not usually

Emphasizes that something deviates from the norm or expectation, conveying infrequency.

less typically

Similar to "not usually" but focusing on what is not typical or characteristic.

less habitually

Focuses on the absence of habit or routine, indicating infrequent occurrence.

on fewer occasions

Explicitly refers to the number of instances, highlighting that something happens in a reduced number of cases.

not so much

A more informal way of expressing reduced frequency or degree.

uncommon

Simplifies the phrase to a single adjective, focusing on the lack of commonality.

FAQs

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

Use "less commonly" to indicate that something occurs with a lower frequency compared to something else. For example, "Side effects are "less commonly" seen with this medication than with others".

What are some alternatives to using "less commonly"?

You can use alternatives like "more rarely", "not as often", or "to a lesser extent" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each offers a slightly different way to express infrequency or reduced occurrence.

Is it always appropriate to use "less commonly" in formal writing?

Yes, "less commonly" is generally appropriate for formal writing. However, consider the specific context and whether a more concise or direct word like "rarely" would be more effective.

What's the difference between "less commonly" and "uncommonly"?

"Less commonly" is a comparative phrase that highlights a difference in frequency, while "uncommonly" simply describes something as not common. Use "less commonly" when comparing frequencies, and "uncommonly" when describing something's general rarity.