Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
less contributions
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "less contributions" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct form would be "fewer contributions" when referring to countable items. Example: "The project received fewer contributions this year compared to last year."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(5)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
According to the frontier molecular orbitals, the less contributions of Co2+ in determining the NLO responses of metal complexes arise from the action of bridging moiety in the charge transfer (CT) processes.
Science
It is apparent that there were less contributions of individuals 2 and 4 to the pool.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
Offering incentives to develop alternative power would lead to cleaner skies, less contribution to greenhouse gases than fossil fuel plants and less dependence on external power suppliers.
News & Media
In contrast, less contribution is provided by residual compressive stresses.
The chemical mechanism would also play a role in SERS enhancement with less contribution than LSPR[11].
Science
It proves that conjugated pyrene plays much less contribution to frontier orbitals than non-conjugated pyrene.
Science
The other contact with much smaller barrier (φ2) has much less contribution to the contact noise.
Science
We had to conclude that grain boundary of BNII do less contribution to its thermal expansion.
Science
The remaining two parameters have very less contribution towards mechanical properties of the 3D structures.
This is the reason why the grain boundary did less contribution to the thermal expansion of BNII.
Science
The absorption of the heat of melting makes much less contribution than the thermal input from TD driven thermal conduction.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When referring to countable items, use "fewer contributions" instead of "less contributions" to ensure grammatical correctness.
Common error
Remember that "less" is for uncountable nouns (e.g., less water), while "fewer" is for countable nouns (e.g., fewer apples). Always use "fewer" when discussing contributions, as they are countable.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "less contributions" typically functions as a noun phrase indicating a decrease in the amount or quantity of contributions. However, it is grammatically questionable when referring to countable items, as noted by Ludwig.
Frequent in
Science
50%
News & Media
50%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "less contributions" appears in some sources, Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically incorrect for countable items. The correct form is "fewer contributions". Consider alternatives like "reduced contributions" or "diminished contributions" to ensure grammatical accuracy, especially in formal writing. Use "less" only with uncountable nouns. Remember that "fewer" is for countable items and "less" for uncountable ones. Avoiding this mistake will improve your writing's clarity and correctness.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
fewer contributions
Replaces "less" with "fewer" to correct the grammatical error when referring to countable items.
reduced contributions
Focuses on the idea of a decrease in contributions, using a more grammatically sound adjective.
diminished contributions
Highlights the reduction in contributions, emphasizing a weakening or decline.
smaller contributions
Indicates a decrease in the size or amount of individual contributions.
lower contributions
Implies a reduction in the level or quantity of contributions.
decreased donations
Specifically refers to a reduction in monetary or material gifts.
less funding
Specifically addresses a reduction in financial resources.
fewer donations
Corrects the grammar while specifying contributions in the form of gifts.
reduced funding
Emphasizes the financial aspect of contributions with correct grammar.
limited contributions
Suggests that contributions are restricted in scope or amount.
FAQs
What's the correct way to say "less contributions"?
The grammatically correct way is to say "fewer contributions", as contributions are countable.
When should I use "less" versus "fewer"?
"Less" is used for uncountable nouns (e.g., less effort), while "fewer" is used for countable nouns (e.g., fewer people).
What are some alternatives to "less contributions"?
Depending on the context, you could use "reduced contributions", "diminished contributions", or "smaller contributions".
Is "less contributions" ever acceptable?
While you might encounter "less contributions" in informal contexts, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect in formal writing. Opt for "fewer contributions" to maintain accuracy.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested