less returns

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less returns" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to refer to a situation with fewer returns, but the phrasing is awkward and unclear. Example: "The new policy aims to reduce the number of returns, resulting in less returns overall."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"Clearly there are teams with good returners that say, 'What if there's 10 percent less returns?' " McKay said.

The New York Times - Sports

If you want less returns, you'll certainly get it.

The New York Times - Sports

The reader more or less returns to the starting point, but with a brand-new perspective.

The New York Times - Books

Whatever the intrinsic merits of this claim, it is inconsistent with the Act's command that consumptive use shall be measured by diversions less returns to the river.

Cornell University

Others warn that the tax will mean pension funds and savers get less returns, as banks will simply pass the cost of the tax onto their customers.

BBC

They also may contribute to shorter routings, more proximate suppliers, higher standards for the quality of goods (meaning less returns) and less tolerance for lost or damaged goods.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But less investment buys less return.

The New York Times

Yet they give a music critic less and less return.

The New York Times - Arts

The early turbulence subsided and normality (more or less) returned.

The Guardian

Things are more or less returning to normal in San Juan, the capital.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We would have gotten no return, or a lot less return.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of "less returns", use "fewer returns" when referring to the number of returned items. For financial contexts, "lower returns" or "reduced returns" are more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "less" when "fewer" is grammatically correct. "Less" is for uncountable nouns, while "fewer" is for countable nouns. For example, use "fewer returns", not "less returns", when talking about the number of items returned.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less returns" functions as a noun phrase intended to quantify or describe a reduction in profits or returned items. However, Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it's not grammatically correct. The intended meaning varies depending on the context, sometimes referring to the count of returned items and other times the financial yield.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "less returns" appears in various sources, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. The intended meaning usually involves a reduction in the number of returned items or a decrease in financial gains. To improve clarity and correctness, consider using "fewer returns" when referring to countable items or "lower returns"/"reduced returns" for financial contexts. Although the phrase surfaces in contexts like News & Media and Academia, it's best to opt for more precise language in professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lower returns

Focuses on the magnitude of returns being smaller.

reduced returns

Emphasizes the act of returns being diminished.

decreased returns

Highlights a decline in the returns received.

smaller profits

Shifts the focus to the financial gain being reduced.

diminished yields

Specifically refers to a reduction in the output or yield.

lower investment income

Specifies that investment gains are reduced.

smaller gains

Focuses on the overall positive outcome being smaller.

reduced profitability

Addresses the decrease in the capacity to generate profit.

poorer performance

Indicates a decline in the effectiveness or success of something.

less revenue

Highlights the reduction in total income.

FAQs

How can I properly use the term "returns" in finance?

In finance, consider using phrases like "lower returns" or "reduced returns" rather than "less returns" to describe a decrease in profits or investment gains. For example, you might say, "The investment yielded "lower returns" this year than last year".

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

"Less" is used with uncountable nouns (e.g., less money, less time), while "fewer" is used with countable nouns (e.g., fewer items, fewer people). Therefore, it's more accurate to say "fewer returns" because returns can be counted individually.

Is "less returns" ever grammatically correct?

While you might encounter "less returns" in informal contexts, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect. It's safer to use "fewer returns" when referring to the quantity of returns or "lower returns" when referring to the profitability of investments.

What can I say instead of "less returns" in an e-commerce context?

In e-commerce, if you want to reduce the number of products customers send back, aim for "fewer product returns". If you want to talk about the profitability of your products after returns, use "reduced profitability".