less frequently than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less frequently than" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to compare how often two or more things occur. For example: "She visits her grandparents less frequently than she visits her friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are used much less frequently than anti-VEGF therapy.

Harvard University

So many diabetics test themselves less frequently than recommended.

Harvard University

Damage occurred significantly less frequently than with posteromedial.

Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery

Interactive teaching formats were used less frequently than passive formats.

Clinical Microbiology and Infection

In fact, cyberbullying occurs much less frequently than traditional forms.

Reducing Cyberbullying in Schools International Evidence-Based Best Practices

Female lobsters shed their shells less frequently than males.

Independent

(I seem to cook Chinese even less frequently than Indian).

The New York Times

(iv) Who must, no less frequently than annually, meet separately with the fund's independent directors.

Cornell University

The Secretary shall update the plan not less frequently than once every four years.

Cornell University

Note, however, that they soar and vocalize less frequently than Black Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus tyrannus).

Cornell University

Steroid hormones were detected less frequently than veterinary pharmaceuticals in this study.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing frequencies, ensure that the items being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "He visits less frequently than before", specify "He visits his family less frequently than he visits his friends".

Common error

Avoid using "less frequently than" when a more direct comparison of numbers or quantities is appropriate. For example, don't say "He ate less frequently than she did" if you mean "He ate fewer meals than she did".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less frequently than" functions as an adverbial phrase of comparison, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate that an action or event occurs with lower frequency compared to another. Ludwig confirms its valid usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less frequently than" is a grammatically sound and versatile comparative phrase used to indicate that something occurs with a lower frequency than something else. Ludwig AI confirms its validity across a wide range of contexts, including news, science, and academia. The phrase is considered neutral in register and can be effectively replaced with alternatives such as "more rarely than" or "not as often as" for stylistic variation. To avoid ambiguity, ensure that the items being compared are clearly specified.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more rarely than

Uses "rarely" instead of "frequently", providing a direct synonym replacement.

not as often as

Rephrases the comparison using "often" to indicate frequency.

less commonly than

Substitutes "frequently" with "commonly", offering a similar meaning.

not as regularly as

Replaces "frequently" with "regularly", emphasizing the consistency of occurrence.

on fewer occasions than

Uses a more formal structure to express a reduced number of instances.

more seldom than

Employs "seldom" as a less common synonym for "frequently".

to a lesser extent than

Shifts the focus from frequency to the degree or extent of occurrence.

with less regularity than

Rephrases the comparison using "regularity" to highlight consistent occurrence.

at longer intervals than

Focuses on the spacing between occurrences, rather than the frequency itself.

in fewer instances than

Highlights the number of cases or events where something happens.

FAQs

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

Use "less frequently than" to compare how often two different events or actions occur. For example: "She visits the museum "less frequently than" she goes to the library."

What are some alternatives to "less frequently than"?

You can use alternatives like "more rarely than", "not as often as", or "less commonly than" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to specify what is being compared when using "less frequently than"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying what is being compared makes the sentence clearer and avoids ambiguity. For example, instead of just saying "He visits less frequently than before", say "He visits his parents "less frequently than" he used to".

Which is correct, "less frequently than" or "fewer times than"?

"Less frequently than" is used for comparing how often something happens, while "fewer times than" is used to compare the number of occurrences. Use "He visits "less frequently than" she does" when talking about the rate of visits, but "He visited fewer times than she did" when comparing the actual number of visits.