less material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less material" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something that is not as significant or important as other parts of the sentence. Example: "While the professor's lecture was informative, the less material topics were quickly skimmed over."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Less material waste?

Columbia University

The next generation experienced less material progress.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There is more of less material.

The New York Times - Arts

Therefore, less material and labour are needed.

Energy and Buildings

She started making children's clothes because they required less material.

The New York Times

Nike, for example, has invested in designing and making sneakers that use less material.

The Guardian

Western New York, where I went to college, generally offers less material for Instagram.

The New Yorker

Fewer parts and less material ultimately mean less cost... and less carbon footprint".

The Guardian

We also use less material per person than any other European country bar Spain.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sandia's microscopic silicon solar cells use 100 times less material while operating with the same efficiency.

MIT Technology Review

"Since the Reagan administration, less and less material has been written down," Professor Hult said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for sustainability, using "less material" often correlates with a reduced environmental footprint. Prioritize this phrase when discussing resource efficiency and waste reduction in manufacturing or construction.

Common error

Avoid solely focusing on "less material" without considering the quality or durability of the resulting product or structure. A reduction in material should not compromise functionality or longevity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less material" functions primarily as a quantifier, modifying a noun (material) to indicate a smaller amount or quantity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It is frequently used in both academic and informal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

38%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less material" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote a reduction in the quantity of a substance or resource. As validated by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently across various domains, including news media, scientific research, and academic discussions. Its primary function is to quantify a decreased amount, often with implications for efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. When using "less material", it's crucial to consider not only the reduced quantity but also the resulting impact on quality and performance. While it's a valuable concept for promoting resource conservation, it should be applied thoughtfully to avoid compromising the functionality or longevity of the final product or structure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced amount of material

Focuses on the act of reduction rather than a comparative state.

smaller quantity of material

Emphasizes the physical quantity aspect.

decreased amount of substance

Replaces "material" with "substance" to refer to a broader range of items.

lower volume of material

Highlights the volume or bulk aspect.

less substance

A more concise version, omitting the word "material" for brevity.

minimal material

Suggests an absolute minimum, rather than a comparative reduction.

lighter material

Focuses on the weight characteristic of the material.

thinner material

Implies a reduced thickness or density of the material.

scarcer material

Emphasizes the rarity or limited availability of the material.

fewer resources

Broader term referring to diminished supplies necessary for a task.

FAQs

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

You can use "less material" to describe a reduction in resources used in a process or product. For example, "The new design uses "less material", making it more cost-effective."

What are some synonyms for "less material"?

Synonyms include "reduced amount of material", "smaller quantity of material", or "decreased amount of substance" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less material"?

Yes, "less material" is grammatically correct. "Less" is used for uncountable nouns like material, while "fewer" is used for countable nouns.

What does it mean to design something with "less material"?

Designing with "less material" typically means creating a product or structure that requires fewer resources to manufacture, often resulting in cost savings and environmental benefits. This could involve using "thinner material" or optimizing the design for efficiency.