Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

less problem

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less problem" is not standard in written English and may be considered incorrect.
It could be used in informal contexts to imply a situation with fewer issues, but it is not commonly accepted. Example: "This new approach has resulted in less problem during the implementation phase."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

There's less problem believing".

"Less ice is less problem".

News & Media

The Economist

Then there's less problem sleeping".

News & Media

The New York Times

"It would mean one less problem.

"It's one less problem for me," Mr. Martinez said.

News & Media

The New York Times

Rapper Big Sean whispers what Grande is thinking but can't say: "I got one less problem without ya".

Show more...

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Machines have less problems".

"It leads to less problems".

News & Media

The New York Times

"The more open I am, the less problems I have.

If all cops were like him, we'd have a lot less problems".

News & Media

The New York Times

Numerical tests also show that the modified GFM has the property of reduced conservation error and is less problem-related.

Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and grammatical correctness, consider using "fewer problems" instead of "less problem", especially when referring to countable issues. Remember "fewer" is for items you can count individually, while "less" is for abstract or uncountable nouns.

Common error

Avoid using "less" when referring to countable items; instead, opt for "fewer". For example, it's more appropriate to say "fewer problems" than "less problem" because problems can be counted individually.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

3.4/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less problem" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to indicate a reduction in the quantity or severity of an issue. However, it is considered non-standard. As indicated by Ludwig AI, more appropriate alternatives should be used to enhance clarity and grammatical precision.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "less problem" is used to convey a reduction in issues, it's not considered standard English. Ludwig AI suggests it's more appropriate to use phrases like "fewer problems" (for countable issues) or "less trouble" (for uncountable difficulties) for clearer and more grammatically sound communication. Although it appears in News & Media and Science sources, opting for correct alternatives enhances the overall quality and professionalism of your writing.

FAQs

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

While "less problem" isn't standard English, you might hear it informally. For clear and correct writing, consider saying "fewer problems" or "less difficulty" instead.

What's a more grammatically sound alternative to "less problem"?

Use "fewer problems" when you're talking about things you can count. For abstract things, you can use "less difficulty" or "reduced problem".

Is it ever correct to use "less problem"?

In very informal speech, maybe. But for writing or speaking in professional or academic settings, it's best to stick with grammatically correct phrases like "fewer problems" or "less trouble".

What is the difference between "less problem" and "fewer problems"?

"Less" is used for uncountable nouns (e.g., difficulty, trouble), while "fewer" is used for countable nouns (e.g., problems, issues). Thus, "fewer problems" is generally the correct choice.

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

3.4/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: