less frequent

USAGE SUMMARY

"less frequent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to compare the frequency of something with something else. For example, "I spoke with my parents less frequently since starting college."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Less frequent was suicide.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Tsunamis are far less frequent.

The New York Times

They are less frequent.

The Guardian - Sport

The messages become less frequent.

The New York Times

His headaches were less frequent.

The New Yorker

His calls grew less frequent.

The New York Times

Mistakes become less frequent too.

The Guardian - Sport

Inevitably, his public appearances became less frequent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hindu-Muslim riots became less frequent.

The New York Times

On less frequent occasions, antiwar tension flares.

The New York Times

"Trains will be less frequent," Vieira said.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less frequent", ensure you're comparing it to a specific baseline or previous state to provide context. For instance, "His visits became less frequent after he moved away".

Common error

Avoid using "less frequent" without a clear comparison. Saying "mistakes are less frequent" is vague; instead, specify "mistakes are less frequent now than they were last year".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less frequent" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating that the noun's occurrence or regularity is lower compared to a previous state or another entity. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less frequent" is a versatile and grammatically sound comparative adjective phrase used to denote a reduction in occurrence or regularity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is commonly found in news, media and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to provide a clear comparison to a baseline for context. Common synonyms include "less common" and "rarer". Its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less common

Indicates a lower occurrence rate, focusing on the general prevalence of something.

rarer

Emphasizes the scarcity or infrequency of something.

less often

Directly relates to the frequency of an event or action.

infrequent

A more formal way of saying "not frequent".

scarcer

Highlights the reduced availability or presence of something.

decreasingly common

Implies a trend of declining frequency over time.

on fewer occasions

Focuses on the number of instances rather than general frequency.

not as frequent

A straightforward comparison of frequency.

decreasing in frequency

Highlights the change in the frequency.

reduced in occurrence

Implies a reduction in the times something happens or appears.

FAQs

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

You can use "less frequent" to describe something that occurs with a reduced regularity. For example, "His calls became "less frequent" after he started his new job".

What is a synonym for "less frequent"?

Synonyms for "less frequent" include "less common", "rarer", or "infrequent". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "less frequent" or "not as frequent"?

"Less frequent" and "not as frequent" are generally interchangeable, but "less frequent" is more concise. The choice depends on the desired level of formality and the rhythm of the sentence.

Can "less frequent" be used to describe both events and objects?

Yes, "less frequent" can describe both. You can say "Meetings are "less frequent"" (events) or "Errors are "less frequent"" (objects if you consider their occurrence).