less richer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less richer" is not correct in English.
The correct form would be "poorer" or "less rich." Example: "After the financial crisis, many families found themselves less rich than before."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And now the gloom-and-doom mood of the average consumer is expected to seep into the thinking of general managers, even if the rich will get only slightly less richer than usual.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Disaffected, marginalised and less rich.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The less rich buy a new covering".

The New York Times

When the rich get less rich, the poor get poorer.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ms. Goin's burger is no less rich.

The New York Times - Food

For a family pudding, the custard can be less rich.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But it will be less rich, less clear and therefore probably less useful.

The Economist

They are less rich than financial-services firms and less appealing to politicians than technology companies.

The Economist

The result is lighter in reverb and layers, but no less rich.

The Guardian - Music

The coalition's proposals will lead to a less rich experience, the study says.

The Guardian - Money

Back to the big-screen one, where the remaining pickings are a little less rich.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "less richer" in formal writing. Opt for grammatically correct alternatives like "less rich" or "poorer" to ensure clarity and credibility.

Common error

The phrase "less richer" is an example of a double comparative, which is generally considered incorrect in standard English. Instead of using both "less" and the comparative suffix "-er", choose one or the other. For example, use "less rich" or "poorer", but not both.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less richer" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, attempting to indicate a lower degree of wealth. However, due to its non-standard grammatical structure, as flagged by Ludwig AI, its usage is generally discouraged.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "less richer" might appear in some contexts, it's grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal writing. Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as non-standard English. Instead, use "less rich" or "poorer" for clarity and grammatical correctness. Although the phrase appears in news sources, its infrequency and grammatical issues suggest that it should not be used as a model for correct English. Focus on grammatically sound alternatives to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poorer

Direct antonym of richer, implying a state of having less wealth.

less wealthy

Replaces "richer" with a synonym and maintains the comparative structure.

not as rich

Emphasizes the contrast by negating "as rich" and framing it in a comparative way.

less affluent

Uses a different synonym for rich, which may fit some contexts.

financially weaker

Shifts focus from wealth to financial strength, appropriate in some economic discussions.

not so well-off

Uses a more informal expression conveying a similar meaning.

economically disadvantaged

Highlights the economic challenges or difficulties faced.

in reduced circumstances

A formal expression indicating a decline in financial status.

with fewer assets

Focuses on the quantity of assets as opposed to general wealth.

having diminished wealth

Focuses on the loss or reduction of wealth.

FAQs

Is "less richer" grammatically correct?

No, "less richer" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. The correct alternatives are "less rich" or "poorer".

What's wrong with saying "less richer"?

The phrase "less richer" is a double comparative, using both "less" and the "-er" suffix to indicate a comparative degree. Only one is needed. It's best to use either "less rich" or "poorer".

Can I use "less richer" in any context?

While you might encounter "less richer" in informal speech or certain dialects, it is not appropriate for formal writing. Opt for "less rich" or "poorer" in professional or academic settings.

What can I say instead of "less richer"?

Use "less rich", "poorer", or "not as rich". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.