less so than

USAGE SUMMARY

'less so than' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to compare two things, indicating that the second thing is less than the first. For example, "The first job was challenging, but the second was less so than the first."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm hopeful but probably less so than two years ago.

The Guardian - Sport

These tax systems remain progressive, but much less so than they used to be.

The Economist

Graphic, sure, but less so than an episode of "CSI," and with more believable emoting.

The New York Times - Books

Though perhaps less so than navigating Lucknow's streets on a tattered two-stroke.

The Economist

Saint-Georges' story came to a premature end, if less so than Mozart's own.

Independent

This standard is still irrational, if significantly less so than current law.

The New York Times

It is still more multiethnic than many other places but far less so than before.

The Economist

The church remains the most trusted institution in the region but less so than it was.

The Economist

The rally was large, but much less so than those of the past.

The Economist

The French party system has continued to display volatility, though less so than in the past.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Certainly less so than a man in tights with X-ray eyes.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less so than" to make nuanced comparisons, especially when indicating a smaller degree of something in one subject compared to another. Ensure clarity in what you are comparing.

Common error

Avoid using "less so than" in contexts where a simpler comparative adjective is more appropriate. For instance, instead of saying 'The car is less fast so than the bike', say 'The car is slower than the bike'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less so than" functions as an adverbial phrase used for comparative purposes. It modifies a verb or adjective by indicating that something is to a lesser degree compared to something else. Ludwig AI shows it's often employed to draw comparisons across various domains, showing differences in intensity or significance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less so than" is a grammatically sound and common way to make comparisons, indicating a reduced degree or extent. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is to establish a contrast, showing that one thing has a particular quality to a lesser degree than another. It's versatile enough to be used in news, scientific articles, and encyclopedias, showcasing its neutral register. While effective, ensure the context warrants its use over simpler comparative forms, and always maintain clarity in your comparisons. "Less so than" offers a valuable tool for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as much as

Focuses on the quantity or amount being compared, rather than a general quality.

to a lesser extent than

Emphasizes the degree to which something happens or is true.

not quite as

Implies a slight difference in degree; suitable for informal contexts.

not nearly as

Highlights a significant difference in magnitude or degree.

to a smaller degree than

Similar to "to a lesser extent than" but focuses specifically on degree.

not as significantly as

Emphasizes the importance or impact of the comparison.

not as greatly as

Focuses on the size or magnitude of the difference.

lesser than

A more direct comparison of quantities or values.

smaller than

Focuses on the physical size or quantity of something.

not so much as

Implies a comparison where something is surprisingly absent or minimal.

FAQs

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

Use "less so than" to compare the degree of something between two subjects. For example, "He was interested in sports, but less so than his brother."

What are some alternatives to "less so than"?

You can use alternatives like "not as much as", "to a lesser extent than", or "not quite as" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less so than"?

Yes, "less so than" is grammatically correct. It's used to make comparisons, indicating that something is to a smaller degree than something else.

What's the difference between "less so than" and "not as...as"?

"Less so than" is a more concise way of saying "not to the same degree as". While "not as...as" is equally correct, "less so than" can sometimes provide a smoother flow in certain sentences.