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 quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

less error

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less error" is not grammatically correct in written English because it is missing a verb.
To make it grammatically correct, you can use "make less error" or "have less error." For example, "By following the instructions carefully, you can make less error when baking a cake."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

"There is less error in systems than in humans," said Mr. Ghosn of Renault-Nissan.

News & Media

The New York Times

We need to promote switching and make it less error prone if we are to force the banks to raise their game".

Intuitively, it might seem that the polling average is subject to less error when there is more consistency among its individual components.

News & Media

The New York Times

Moreover, participants with BT made less error (p < 0.01).

Electronic voting machines are less error prone, while punch cards remember Florida?—are most error prone.

News & Media

TechCrunch

Some agents may actually compute equilibria, with more or less error.

Science

SEP
Show more...

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

These are easier to understand and less error-prone than imperative loops.

News & Media

The Guardian

It is because the way they drive makes them much less error-prone.

Faster, slicker and far less error-prone throughout, Canada quickly piled three more scores on the board, with Landry crossing for the second score of a hat-trick.

Less error-prone machines, like touch-screen versions, are expensive -- Sequoia County in California just spent nearly $14 million on 4,250 machines.

News & Media

The New York Times

Such automated referencing systems are much less error-prone than entering references manually.

Science & Research

Science Magazine
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for grammatical precision, use phrases like "make fewer errors" or "have a lower error rate" instead of the grammatically incomplete phrase "less error".

Common error

Avoid using "less error" without a verb. Sentences require a verb to express a complete thought; therefore, rephrase to include a verb such as "reduce error" or "minimize errors" for grammatical correctness.

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

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

3.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less error" functions as a noun phrase that describes a reduction in mistakes or inaccuracies. However, as Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically incomplete and typically requires a verb to form a complete sentence. The examples on Ludwig showcase its usage across diverse contexts, mainly in scientific and technical domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "less error" is commonly used to indicate a reduction in mistakes, it is grammatically incomplete and requires a verb to form a complete sentence. As Ludwig AI reports, grammatically correct alternatives include "fewer errors", "reduced error", or phrases that include verbs like "make fewer errors". Its use is frequent in scientific and technical contexts, and while it appears in news and media, it leans towards a more formal tone. When writing, it's best to opt for grammatically complete alternatives to ensure clarity and precision.

FAQs

How can I correct the phrase "less error" in a sentence?

To correct "less error", use phrases like "make fewer errors", "have less error", or "result in "lower error rate"" to create grammatically sound sentences.

What does "less error" mean?

The phrase "less error" implies a reduction in mistakes or inaccuracies, though it is grammatically incomplete. Use "fewer errors" or "lower error rate" for better clarity.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less error"?

No, "less error" is grammatically incorrect. It needs a verb to be complete. Alternatives like "fewer errors", "reduced error", or "lower the error rate" are grammatically preferable.

Which is more appropriate, "less error" or "fewer errors"?

While both suggest a reduction in mistakes, "fewer errors" is grammatically more appropriate because "errors" is countable. "Less error" is often considered grammatically incorrect because it omits a needed verb, but could be replaced by "reduced error" or "make fewer errors".

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

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.

Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

3.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: