less so

USAGE SUMMARY

"less so" is a grammatically correct phrase that can be used in written English.
You can use it to make a comparison, indicating that one thing has a lower degree of something than another. For example, "I used to be enthusiastic about politics, but lately, I feel less so."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Less so.

The New York Times

The miners, less so.

The Economist

Marco Rubio's, less so.

The Guardian - Opinion

The road? Less so.

The New York Times

The second, less so.

The New York Times

Nichols was less so.

The New Yorker

Human desire, less so.

The New Yorker

The spying, less so.

The Economist

Bethmann was less so.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But politically less so.

Independent

Economists are less so.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less so" to create concise comparisons, indicating that something possesses a quality or characteristic to a smaller degree than something previously mentioned. It's effective for avoiding repetition and streamlining your writing.

Common error

Ensure that the "so" in "less so" has a clear and direct reference to a previously mentioned adjective or quality. Without a clear connection, the phrase becomes ambiguous and confusing. Make sure it's obvious to what you're referring.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less so" functions as an elliptical comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a preceding adjective or clause, indicating a diminished degree of the previously mentioned quality. As Ludwig confirms, it's used to make comparisons.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less so" is a versatile comparative adjective phrase used to indicate a reduced degree or extent of something previously mentioned. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and utility in making concise comparisons. It is commonly found in news articles, academic writing, and formal business communications. When using "less so", ensure a clear anaphoric reference to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "to a lesser extent" or "not as much" depending on the specific context. Mastery of this phrase can significantly enhance the fluency and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to a lesser extent

Emphasizes a diminished degree or scope.

not as much

Focuses on a quantitative reduction.

to a smaller degree

Highlights the reduced intensity or level.

not so much

Expresses a lack of emphasis or importance.

to a reduced degree

Similar to "to a lesser extent", but with a stronger emphasis on the reduction.

in a diminished capacity

Implies a reduced ability or capability.

not to that extent

Indicates a boundary or limit to the degree or scope.

to a lower level

Focuses on a decrease in rank or status.

not as significantly

Emphasizes a reduced impact or importance.

on a smaller scale

Highlights a reduced size or scope of activity.

FAQs

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

Use "less so" to compare the degree to which two things possess a certain quality. For instance, "The first date was awkward. The second, "less so"" indicates the second date was not as awkward as the first.

What are some alternatives to "less so"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to a lesser extent", "not as much", or "to a smaller degree".

Is "less so" grammatically correct?

Yes, "less so" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to indicate a diminished degree of something. Ludwig AI also confirms its correct usage.

Can "less so" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "less so" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. It appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Economist, demonstrating its acceptability in professional contexts.