less for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less for" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to compare two quantities or states, indicating that one is smaller or of lesser value than the other. Example: John paid $20 for his meal, but Sally paid $15 for hers. Sally paid less for her meal than John did.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Lifestyle

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Less for more.

The New Yorker

Spend less, for instance.

The New York Times

It has delivered rather less for Wenger.

The New York Times

Unions can do less for you.

The New York Times

Companies will do less for you.

The New York Times

Americans are borrowing less for several reasons.

The New York Times

Nissan lost less, for several reasons.

The Economist

It just gets you less for less.

The New Yorker

More of them means less for us.

Independent

Government will do less for you.

The New York Times

Less for children.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less for", ensure the comparison is clear and the context provides sufficient information about what is being reduced or diminished. For example, instead of saying "We offer less for our basic package", specify what is reduced, such as "We offer less bandwidth for our basic package".

Common error

Avoid using "less for" without specifying what exactly is being reduced. For instance, saying "They charged less for it" is vague. Instead, clarify: "They charged less for the same service because of a promotional discount".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less for" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to express a comparative reduction or deficiency in exchange for something else. As evidenced by Ludwig, it commonly highlights a trade-off, where something is diminished or reduced.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Travel

10%

Lifestyle

8%

Less common in

Opinion

7%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less for" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote a reduction or decrease in exchange for something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used. Our analysis reveals that the phrase is most frequently found in "news & media", often highlighting trade-offs or diminished returns. When using "less for", ensure the comparison is clear and the context provides enough information to avoid ambiguity. Common errors include vague statements without specifying what is being reduced. Overall, "less for" is a useful tool for expressing comparative reductions across various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced amount for

Focuses specifically on the reduction in quantity or cost.

lower price for

Emphasizes the financial aspect of paying a smaller amount.

smaller portion for

Highlights the reduced size or share received.

decreased benefit for

Indicates a decline in advantages or entitlements.

fewer resources for

Stresses the scarcity of available resources.

diminished return for

Suggests a lower yield or outcome in exchange for something.

less consideration for

Highlights a reduced level of attention or care.

less emphasis on

Shifts focus away from a particular aspect.

reduced support for

Indicates a decrease in assistance or backing.

lower priority for

Signifies a reduced level of importance or urgency.

FAQs

How is "less for" used in a sentence?

The phrase "less for" indicates a reduction or decrease in something. For example, "Children pay "less for" tickets" or "I got "less for" my old car than I expected".

What are some alternatives to "less for"?

Alternatives include phrases like "reduced amount for", "lower price for", or "smaller portion for", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "less for" or should I use "fewer for"?

The correct choice depends on what you're quantifying. Use "less" for uncountable nouns (e.g., "less water for the plants") and "fewer" for countable nouns (e.g., "fewer apples for the pie"). In many cases, "less" is used colloquially even when "fewer" might be grammatically more accurate.

What does it mean when someone says "It just gets you "less for" less"?

This phrase typically implies that you're receiving a lower quality or quantity of something because you're paying less. It highlights a trade-off between cost and value, suggesting that cutting costs can lead to diminished returns.