less older

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less older" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used incorrectly when trying to compare ages or the degree of being old. Example: "My brother is less older than I am, but he still acts more mature."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Revenue from carriers fell 16percentt after the company sold a high-speed wireless equipment business last year, and as phone companies bought less older technology.

The New York Times

However, we also have proportionally less older adults, which may serve to increase the transport injury estimates.

Accident Analysis and Prevention

Similarly, there might be less older MSM (>55 years); due to HIV/AIDS or due to the political, legal and cultural climate of their youth [ 20].

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Less old.

The New York Times

But his tactics were less old Chicago than new Washington.

The Economist

"We wanted to appear traditional but less old-fashioned.

The New York Times

We are seeing less and less old thick ice," says Toberg.

The Guardian

For one, he says, stores could try to look less old.

The Economist

Throughout the aughts, Bruichladdich was both more and less old-fashioned than its competitors.

The New Yorker

The young, buzz-cut staff couldn't have been less Old Vienna.

The New York Times - Travel

Can you picture Prince on anybody's farm, much less Old Man Johnson's?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "less older" in formal writing; opt for "younger" or "not as old" for clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

Don't create double comparatives using "less" with adjectives already in comparative form (ending in "-er"). Use "younger" instead of "less older."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less older" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, attempting to describe a state of being 'not as old'. However, as Ludwig AI indicates, this construction is not considered standard English. Use "younger" or "not as old" instead.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "less older" might appear in some contexts, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. As Ludwig AI points out, alternatives like "younger" or "not as old" are preferred for clarity and correctness. Though examples can be found in News & Media and Scientific sources, adhering to proper grammar enhances the credibility and clarity of writing, especially in professional and academic settings. Stick to established comparative forms for better communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

younger

Direct synonym indicating a lower age.

not as old

Expresses a lower degree of oldness in a more descriptive way.

more recent

Focuses on time of origin rather than age itself.

newfangled

Implies a departure from the traditional or old-fashioned.

modernized

Suggests an update or improvement over an older version.

less antiquated

Highlights the reduced state of being old or outdated.

not as dated

Implies a more contemporary feel or relevance.

new

Simple and direct term for something not old.

fresh

Suggests a sense of novelty and vitality.

innovative

Highlights the creative and advanced nature.

FAQs

What's a better way to say "less older"?

Use "younger" or "not as old". These alternatives are grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Is "less older" grammatically correct?

No, "less older" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. It's better to use "younger".

When can I use "less older"?

While some instances of "less older" might appear in informal contexts, it's best to avoid it in formal writing. Opt for clearer alternatives like "not as old".

What's the difference between "less older" and "younger"?

"Younger" is the standard and grammatically correct term to indicate someone or something has a lower age. "Less older" is non-standard and should be avoided.