less far than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less far than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare distances or extents, indicating that one thing is not as far as another. Example: "The new route is less far than the old one, making it more convenient for commuters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

To allay their fears, Mr Romney must pivot more slowly and less far than he otherwise might.

The Economist

His proposed reorganisation of the agencies that would report to the new threat centre also went less far than the commission had proposed.The Democrats jumped on these points.

The Economist

"Four gallons of propane goes less far than four gallons of gasoline, so all they do is use their regular engines because propane is hard to find.

The New York Times

Rovers are great, they do amazing science, but it is a lot more tedious process – they go much less far than a human can cover in a day.

The Guardian

In general, the Italian purges went much less far than those in Germany, and there was considerable continuity in many areas, including the judiciary, the police force, and the body of legislation created in the 1920s and '30s.

Encyclopedia Britannica

McManaman travelled less far than most Athletic players: He was an Everton apprentice until he was discarded at 16. And, while Everton was still in shock, Wigan delivered the coup de grâce, a truly wonderful shot from outside the penalty box.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

It will seem far less scripted, far less contrived, than any line you might have practiced.

WikiHow

The current worth of the complexes is estimated to be less than $2 billion, far less than the senior loans.

The New York Times

And for far less cost than usual.

The New York Times - Food

They have far less power than manufacturers.

The Economist

It is far less important than discipline.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less far than" when you want to directly compare two distances or the extent of something, highlighting that one is shorter or smaller than the other. For clarity, ensure both items being compared are clearly defined within the sentence.

Common error

Avoid using "less far than" when the comparison is not about physical distance or extent. Overusing it in abstract contexts can make your writing sound awkward. Instead, consider using alternatives like "to a lesser extent" or "not as much as".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less far than" serves as a comparative adverbial phrase, modifying verbs by indicating a smaller extent or distance relative to something else. It directly compares two measurable quantities, showing a differential in length or progression, as evidenced by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less far than" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative phrase. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and highlights its role in comparing distances or extents. While versatile, it's most effective when comparing physical distances or concrete measures. The phrase appears commonly in news articles and scientific publications, indicating a neutral register. For variety, consider using alternatives such as "not as far as" or "to a lesser extent than" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as far as

Emphasizes a direct comparison of distance without using "less".

a shorter distance than

Focuses specifically on the physical distance involved.

not nearly as far as

Adds emphasis to the difference in distance.

to a lesser extent than

Shifts the comparison from physical distance to a degree or extent.

not quite as far as

Indicates a slight difference in distance or progress.

not so far as

A more formal or literary way to express a similar comparison.

a smaller amount than

Generalizes the comparison to any measurable quantity, not just distance.

not as advanced as

Compares levels of progress or development instead of physical distance.

to a smaller degree than

Similar to "to a lesser extent", but emphasizes the degree of difference.

inferior to

Generalizes the comparison of distance or progress, expressing inferiority or lower standing.

FAQs

What does "less far than" mean?

The phrase "less far than" is used to compare two distances, indicating that one is shorter than the other. It can also be used more figuratively to describe something that extends to a smaller degree compared to something else.

How can I use "less far than" in a sentence?

You can use "less far than" to compare the distance traveled by two objects or people. For example: "The rover traveled "less far than" the human explorers could in a day."

What are some alternatives to "less far than"?

Some alternatives to "less far than" include "not as far as", "a shorter distance than", or "to a lesser extent than", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "less far than", or are there situations where another phrase is better?

While "less far than" is grammatically correct, it's most appropriate when comparing physical distances. In situations where you're comparing abstract concepts or degrees, alternatives like "to a lesser degree than" or "not as significant as" may be more suitable.