less number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less number of" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to indicate a smaller quantity of something. Example: The new restrictions have resulted in a less number of people attending the event.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Parasitized H. armigera had 26% less number of blood cells compared to healthy larvae.

Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology

In addition, the proposed interface requires less number of queries in completing everyday bibliographic search tasks.

Journal of Informetrics

Of the two approaches, the DSP approach requires 87.40% less number of clock cycles.

Microprocessors and Microsystems

Compared to existing formulations, the optimization method uses less number of design variables.

Mechanism and Machine Theory

The proposed architecture uses less number of logic gates with respect to previous method.

Microprocessors and Microsystems

These patients have less number of motor units that can be estimated by conventional electrophysiological methods.

Clinical Neurophysiology

So, this may create less number of lifts requirement in the system.

IFAC-PapersOnLine

The approach has better error control and results in less number of control points.

Computer-Aided Design

It is observed that significantly less number of component functions are retained.

Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering

These configurations use a less number of columns compared to the Petlyuk configuration.

Computer Aided Chemical Engineering

Furthermore, with increasing the order of accuracy of approximation less number of reinitializations is needed.

Journal of Computational Physics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to countable items, consider using "fewer number of" instead of "less number of" for improved grammatical precision.

Common error

Avoid using "less number of" with countable nouns. Although commonly used, "fewer number of" is grammatically more accurate when referring to things you can count individually.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less number of" functions primarily as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a smaller quantity. Ludwig AI validates its use, demonstrating its integration into English syntax.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

75%

Academia

15%

News & Media

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less number of" is used to indicate a smaller quantity or amount of something. Though Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, it's important to recognize the subtle distinction between "less" and "fewer". While "less number of" is widely used and understood, opting for "fewer number of" is grammatically preferable when referring to countable nouns. As Ludwig's examples demonstrate, the phrase finds frequent use in scientific and academic contexts, though it's versatile enough for general communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Fewer number of

Replaces "less" with "fewer", which is generally preferred when referring to countable nouns.

Smaller quantity of

Substitutes "number" with "quantity", emphasizing amount rather than count.

Reduced amount of

Emphasizes the decrease in the overall amount, shifting focus from individual items.

Lower quantity of

Synonymous with "smaller quantity", indicating a diminished amount.

Diminished quantity of

More formal synonym for a reduction in amount.

Decreased volume of

Highlights a reduction in bulk or capacity rather than count.

A scarcity of

Indicates a lack or shortage of something, rather than a precise reduction.

A dearth of

Similar to 'a scarcity', implying a significant lack or deficiency.

Insufficient quantity of

Highlights inadequacy rather than just a reduction in quantity.

Limited amount of

Focuses on the restricted nature of the quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "less number of" in a sentence?

You can use "less number of" to indicate a smaller quantity or amount. For example, "The project requires "less number of" resources compared to the previous one."

What's a good alternative to "less number of"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "fewer number of" (for countable nouns), "smaller quantity of", or "reduced amount of".

Which is more grammatically correct: "less number of" or "fewer number of"?

"Fewer number of" is generally considered more grammatically correct when referring to countable nouns. However, "less number of" is commonly used and understood.

In what situations should I use "less number of" vs "fewer number of"?

Use "fewer number of" when referring to items that can be counted individually (e.g., "fewer number of students"). Use "less" with uncountable nouns (e.g., "less water") or abstract concepts.