less frequent than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less frequent than" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare the frequency of two events or occurrences, indicating that one happens with lower regularity than the other. Example: "The occurrence of solar eclipses is less frequent than lunar eclipses."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

High-level gene amplification events were less frequent than LOH or copy number gains.

Plosone

Actual hybrids probably less frequent than reports of hybrids.

University of California, Berkeley

His input was less frequent than we're used to.

The Guardian - Sport

Its cosmetic use is far less frequent than in China.

The New York Times

Audits may be less frequent than every year.

The New York Times

However, conversation on the topic is less frequent than one might expect.

Yale University

Reporting shall be no less frequent than specified in the above regulations.

Cornell University

Abnormal color vision and proptosis were less frequent than in historical comparison with published series.

Yale University

But cases of obesity are less frequent than bouts of pickiness.

The New York Times

The smash and grabs are less frequent than they once were.

The New York Times

The descriptions of his romantic affairs are less frequent than the lists of his mounting debts.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the frequency of two events, ensure clarity by specifying both subjects being compared. For example, instead of saying "it's less frequent", specify "Event A is "less frequent than" Event B."

Common error

A common mistake is to omit "than" when using "less frequent", resulting in an incomplete comparison. Always include "than" to clearly establish what you are comparing the frequency to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less frequent than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to quantify and compare the occurrence rate of two separate events, actions or entities. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

32%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less frequent than" is a grammatically sound and commonly used comparative phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig. It serves to compare the frequency of two distinct subjects, indicating that one occurs less often than the other. Predominantly found in scientific, news, and academic contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse communication styles. To ensure clarity, always specify both subjects being compared and include "than" in your sentences. Alternatives like "not as common as" and "more rare than" offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as common as

Emphasizes a difference in commonness or prevalence, focusing on general occurrence.

more rare than

Highlights the unusual or infrequent nature of something in comparison.

occurs less often than

Focuses specifically on the frequency of an event or action.

is less prevalent than

Indicates a lower degree of presence or existence in a particular context.

happens with reduced regularity compared to

Highlights a decline in consistent timing and predictability.

shows a lower incidence than

Used particularly when discussing rates of events or occurrences, often in a statistical or medical sense.

is outnumbered by

Emphasizes the numerical disparity, focusing on which is larger or more numerous.

has a lower probability than

Focuses on the statistical likelihood of something occurring.

is scarcer than

Highlights the limited availability or existence of something.

seldom occurs compared to

Emphasizes the infrequency of an event relative to another.

FAQs

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

Use "less frequent than" to compare the occurrence rate of two things. For example, "Rainfall in the desert is "less frequent than" in the rainforest."

What is a good alternative to "less frequent than"?

Alternatives include "not as common as", "more rare than", or "occurs less often than", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "less frequent than" or "not as common as"?

"Less frequent than" is generally considered more formal, while "not as common as" is more conversational. The choice depends on the context and your desired tone.

What's the difference between "less frequent than" and "rarely as"?

"Less frequent than" directly compares the frequency of two occurrences, while "rarely as" emphasizes the infrequency of a single occurrence in relation to a standard or expectation.