less dependent

USAGE SUMMARY

"less dependent" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to compare two or more things in a negative context. For example, "After working for ten years, I am now much less dependent on my parents than before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The poor would be less dependent on welfare.

The New York Times

Moreover, CIT appears less dependent on short-term financing.

The New York Times

He remains with Carphone for now, but clearly wants to become less dependent.

The Guardian - Business

"The not-for-profit sector needs to become more business-like and less dependent," she said.

The Guardian

Likewise, there are signs of exporters becoming less dependent on the slow-moving European market.

The Guardian - Business

EnviroCapitalist 26 March 2014 2 12pm Will fracking make Europe less dependent on Russian gas?

The Guardian

"I see it as an opportunity to make us less dependent on foreign oil".

The New York Times

I see it as an opportunity to make us less dependent on big, foreign oil".

The New York Times

"If we're going to become less dependent on foreign oil, we've got to move forward".

The New York Times

French Muslims had to become less dependent on preachers from Algiers and Morocco, he said.

The Guardian - Business

A more diverse economy would be stronger and less dependent on the fickle oil market.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less dependent" to clearly indicate a reduction in reliance on something, specifying what is being relied upon and the reason for the change. For instance, 'The company became "less dependent" on a single supplier by diversifying its sources.'

Common error

Avoid vague statements like 'We are "less dependent" now.' Clarify on what you are "less dependent". Adding specifics enhances clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less dependent" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating a reduced level of reliance or dependence, as Ludwig AI indicates. Examples show it describing countries "less dependent" on oil or individuals "less dependent" on government assistance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

TechCrunch

3%

Huffington Post

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less dependent" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a reduced level of reliance or dependence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business, to convey a shift toward greater independence. When using the phrase, ensure you specify on what something is "less dependent" to maintain clarity. Alternatives like "less reliant" or "more self-sufficient" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less reliant

Synonymous with "less dependent", emphasizing a reduction in reliance.

not as reliant

Expresses a similar level of reliance as another entity.

not as affected

Expresses a reduced impact or effect from something.

more self-sufficient

Highlights the ability to provide for oneself without external assistance.

more independent

Indicates a greater degree of self-reliance, opposite of being dependent.

more autonomous

Emphasizes self-governance and independence in decision-making.

less susceptible

Indicates a reduced vulnerability or susceptibility to something.

less vulnerable

Focuses on reduced exposure to harm or negative impacts.

less influenced

Indicates a reduced impact from external factors or individuals.

less controlled

Highlights a reduction in external control or influence.

FAQs

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

You can use "less dependent" to describe a state of reduced reliance. For example, "The country is striving to become "less dependent on fossil fuels"".

What's a good alternative to "less dependent"?

Alternatives include "less reliant", "more self-sufficient", or "more autonomous", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "less dependent" or "fewer dependent"?

"Less" is generally used with uncountable nouns, while "fewer" is used with countable nouns. Since "dependent" refers to a state, "less dependent" is the correct choice.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "less dependent"?

The phrase "less dependent" is appropriate in various contexts, including discussions of economic independence, energy policy, and personal relationships, where a reduction in reliance is being described.