less of them

USAGE SUMMARY

'less of them' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are discussing a group of people, objects, or ideas and want to indicate that there is a smaller number of them than previously. For example: "The class was originally composed of 18 students, but now there are less of them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But we ate less of them.

The New York Times

there are less of them.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

You merely want less of them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He just eats less of them.

The Guardian

"There are less of them — much less of them," Heidecker said.

The New Yorker

But in fact, there are even less of them.

The New York Times

Val and Diana's teacher expected nothing less of them.

The New York Times - Arts

No one will think less of them for that.

The Guardian

And there's less of them all the time".

The New York Times - Books

High-tech or not, we also have to eat less of them.

The New York Times

Instead, they've chosen to let you simply see less of them.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less of them" when referring to a general decrease in quantity. For countable items, consider using "fewer of them" for greater precision.

Common error

Avoid using "less" with countable nouns. While "less of them" is generally understood, "fewer of them" is grammatically more precise when referring to things you can count individually.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less of them" functions as a quantifier, indicating a reduced amount or number of something previously mentioned. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. The phrase commonly modifies a noun or pronoun, specifying that the quantity is smaller than before.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less of them" is a common and generally correct phrase used to indicate a decrease in quantity or number. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, it's important to note the distinction between "less" and "fewer"; "fewer of them" is preferred when referring to countable items for greater grammatical precision. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, as well as academic and scientific contexts. When writing, ensure the reference is clear and consider using "fewer" when appropriate to enhance clarity and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fewer of them

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

a smaller number of them

Emphasizes the numerical aspect of the reduction.

a reduced quantity of them

Uses a more formal structure to indicate a smaller amount.

a decreased amount of them

Focuses on the diminished quantity or volume.

a lower proportion of them

Highlights the reduced ratio or percentage.

a scarcity of them

Indicates a lack or shortage.

a decline in them

Implies a downward trend in their number or presence.

a deficiency of them

Suggests an insufficient amount.

a dwindling of them

Conveys a gradual reduction or disappearance.

a shortage among them

Highlights that there is a lack inside the group.

FAQs

When should I use "less of them" versus "fewer of them"?

Use "fewer of them" when referring to countable items (e.g., "fewer apples"). Use "less of them" for uncountable items (e.g., "less water") or when the specific count isn't emphasized.

Is "less of them" formal or informal?

While generally acceptable, "less of them" is considered less formal. For more formal writing, especially when referring to countable items, "fewer of them" is preferable.

What are some alternatives to "less of them"?

You can use alternatives like "fewer of them", "a reduced quantity of them", or "a smaller number of them" depending on the context.

How can I improve the clarity of sentences using "less of them"?

Ensure the reference is clear. For instance, instead of "There are less of them", specify "There are less of the original team members" or "There are "fewer of the cars" on the road" for better understanding.