less frequently

USAGE SUMMARY

"less frequently" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe an action that happens less often than normal: Due to the pandemic, people are going to the theater less frequently.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Less frequently called Arab Awakening.

The New York Times

I wrote less frequently, though.

The New Yorker

*Eat out less frequently.

The New York Times - Health

Jason emerged less frequently.

The New Yorker

But less frequently this year.

The Guardian - Sport

Vandalism is a less frequently applied charge.

The New Yorker

Or at least, use them less frequently.

The New York Times

Less frequently available is dead rat.

Independent

I'm still applying, but less frequently now.

The Guardian

Mr. Kemmer now visits less frequently.

The New York Times

Tirades, while still plentiful, occurred less frequently.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less frequently" to clearly indicate a reduction in the frequency of an action or event. For example, "We visit our grandparents less frequently since moving to a new city."

Common error

Avoid using "less frequently" when you mean "rarely" or "almost never." "Less frequently" implies a relative decrease, not necessarily an extreme absence. For example, instead of saying "Volcanoes erupt less frequently here" (if they almost never erupt), use "Volcanoes rarely erupt here."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less frequently" primarily functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the decreased rate at which an action or event occurs. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

48%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less frequently" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adverbial phrase that indicates a decrease in the rate at which something occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility across various contexts, as demonstrated by its frequent appearances in news, scientific literature, and general writing. When employing this phrase, it's important to ensure that it accurately reflects a reduction in frequency rather than complete absence. Alternatives like "less often" or "more rarely" can be considered depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey. Remember, the phrase is used to clearly highlight a change in how often something happens. It enjoys high usability and expressiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less often

Direct synonym, indicating reduced frequency.

more rarely

Emphasizes the infrequency or uncommon nature.

not as frequently

Rephrasing to indicate a lower degree of frequency.

infrequently

Single-word adverb expressing the same meaning.

on fewer occasions

Focuses on the number of times something occurs.

to a lesser extent

Indicates a reduced degree or scope of occurrence.

at longer intervals

Highlights the increased time between occurrences.

with reduced regularity

Emphasizes the lack of consistent frequency.

not so often

Informal way of saying "less frequently".

seldom

A more formal and concise synonym.

FAQs

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

You can use "less frequently" to describe an action that occurs with reduced regularity. For example, "Since the new policy was implemented, meetings are held "less frequently"."

What are some alternatives to using "less frequently"?

Alternatives include "less often", "more rarely", or "infrequently". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less frequent" instead of "less frequently"?

"Less frequent" is an adjective phrase used to describe a noun, while "less frequently" is an adverbial phrase used to modify a verb or adjective. For example, "a less frequent occurrence" versus "occurs less frequently".

When should I use "less frequently" versus "more rarely"?

While both indicate a low occurrence rate, "less frequently" implies a decrease in occurrence compared to a previous state, whereas "more rarely" emphasizes the infrequency itself. Use "less frequently" when discussing a change in frequency.