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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
less is know
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "less is know" is not correct in English.
Did you mean "less is known"? If this is the case, you can use it to express that there is limited information or understanding about a particular subject or topic. Example: "In the field of quantum physics, less is known about the behavior of particles at extremely small scales."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Science
Alternative expressions(4)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
3 human-written examples
Suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughter Christabel were known for arson, window smashing and picture slashing, but less is know about their refined dress sense and elegance.
News & Media
Less is know about the topology of R-LPS epitopes and, therefore, we tested the mutants with the appropriate Moabs.
Science
Less is know concerning the frequency and spectrum of p16 mutations in EA, and very little about p16 mutations in BE.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 human-written examples
Less is known about Ella.
News & Media
Even less is known of Scytho-Sarmatian.
Encyclopedias
Less is known about the others.
News & Media
Much less is known about Mr. Sheikh.
News & Media
Much less is known about Mr. Ivanov.
News & Media
Less is known about adult sufferers.
News & Media
Much less is known about Euclid, however, than about Moses.
Encyclopedias
Of his own personal background even less is known.
Encyclopedias
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Always use the past participle form "known" instead of the base form "know" after "is" when indicating a state of being or a passive condition. Replace "less is know" with "less is known".
Common error
Avoid using the base form of the verb "know" when the past participle "known" is required. "Know" is used for actions, while "known" is used in passive constructions or to describe a state. Always remember that in sentences like this, you're describing a state of awareness (or lack thereof), not an action.
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
1.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "less is know" is intended to function as a statement indicating a lack of information or understanding. However, as pointed out by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "less is known", where "known" acts as the past participle.
Frequent in
Science
33%
News & Media
33%
Encyclopedias
33%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Social Media
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "less is know" is grammatically incorrect and should be replaced with "less is known". Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. While the phrase's intent is to communicate a lack of information, its incorrect grammar undermines its effectiveness. Examples of its usage appear in news articles and scientific publications, but its incorrectness diminishes the credibility of the writing. To improve clarity and correctness, use "less is known" or alternatives like "little is known".
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
Less is known
Corrects the grammatical error by using the past participle "known" instead of "know".
Little is known
Uses "little" as a synonym for "less" to indicate a small amount of knowledge.
Information is scarce
Indicates that the availability of information is limited.
Details are limited
Highlights the lack of specific details available on a subject.
Few details are available
States that not many details can be found.
Understanding is incomplete
Emphasizes the partial or unfinished nature of the current understanding.
Research is limited
Highlights that there is not much investigation about it.
Our knowledge is limited
Rephrases to emphasize the state of our collective knowledge.
Data is lacking
Points out the absence of sufficient data.
Evidence is scant
Indicates that the available evidence is minimal.
FAQs
What's the correct way to say "less is know"?
The correct phrase is "less is known". The word "known" is the past participle of the verb "to know" and is needed after the auxiliary verb "is" to form the passive voice.
Is "less is know" grammatically correct?
No, "less is know" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "less is known". Using "know" instead of "known" is a common mistake.
What does "less is known" mean?
The phrase "less is known" means that there is limited information or understanding about a particular subject or topic.
Are there alternatives to "less is known"?
Yes, you can use phrases like "little is known", "information is scarce", or "details are limited" as alternatives to "less is known".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
1.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested