less sound

USAGE SUMMARY

"less sound" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
You can use "less sound" to describe a reduction in volume or noise level. For example: - The new soundproofing in the walls provided less sound from the neighboring apartment. - The old record player produced less sound than the modern stereo system. - The teacher suggested using less sound during the school performance to avoid disturbing neighboring classrooms.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Unfortunately, GaAs is mechanically much less sound than silicon.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His private life, meanwhile, is on less sound footing.

The New York Times - Magazine

When they tell you, less sound, more piano — no".

The New York Times - Magazine

But the authority's current financial footing may be less sound than advertised.

The New York Times

Earphones that fit snugly into your ear canals generally require less sound power.

The New York Times

"The structure was more or less sound, but the layout didn't work," Lunn says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Instead, a more worldly Madge struggles to become a less sound-bite-reliant, more sincere person".

Wikipedia

Horner's tone is raunchy and irreverent, but his logic is (more-or-less) sound; this is engineer humor at its best.

The New Yorker

The new HondaJet offers an advanced avionics system, a new exterior paint scheme, and a speaker-less sound system with immersive audio called the Bongiovi Audio System.

Forbes

Uh, no it doesn't -- real music is just that, and sound design is something of a purely background nature and generally has no musical content -- namely, it is idea-less, sound without meaning.

Huffington Post

His new album, "Dharma Days" (* * *, Warner Bros ., again includes passages reminiscent of Warne Marsh and--reaching back--of floating, largely vibrato-less sound flowing from the Lester Young fountainhead.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, consider if a more specific term like "quieter", "lower volume", or "reduced noise" might be more effective than "less sound" depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "less sound" when you actually mean an absence of sound. "Less sound" implies a reduction, not complete silence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less sound" functions primarily as a modifier, specifically quantifying the degree of sound. It indicates a reduction in the intensity or amount of sound, as supported by Ludwig, where it is deemed grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less sound" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate a reduction in the amount or intensity of sound. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is generally considered correct. It is most frequently encountered in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. While generally versatile, it's beneficial to consider whether more specific terms like "quieter", "lower volume", or "reduced noise" might provide greater clarity in certain situations. Being mindful of these alternatives and avoiding misuse in place of complete silence will ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Quieter sound

Focuses specifically on the auditory experience being quieter.

Reduced noise

Emphasizes the decrease in unwanted or disruptive noise.

Lower volume

Refers to a decrease in the intensity of the sound.

Softer sound

Highlights the gentler or more subdued nature of the sound.

Muted sound

Suggests the sound is muffled or suppressed.

Diminished sound

Indicates a weakening or lessening of the sound's presence.

Subdued sound

Emphasizes a controlled or restrained quality of the sound.

Decreased sound level

More technical phrasing that speaks about the decrease of the sound.

Weaker sound

Highlights the lack of intensity.

Sound reduction

Describes the action of decreasing the sound.

FAQs

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

Use "less sound" to describe a reduction in volume or noise level. For example: "The new soundproofing resulted in "quieter sound" from the street."

What can I say instead of "less sound"?

You can use alternatives like "reduced noise", "lower volume", or "softer sound" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "less sound" or should I use "fewer sound"?

"Sound" is generally treated as an uncountable noun, so "less sound" is the grammatically correct choice. You wouldn't typically use "fewer" with "sound".

What's the difference between "less sound" and "quieter"?

"Less sound" is a more general term, while "quieter" specifically describes the subjective experience of reduced noise. You might say "The machine makes "less noise"", but you'd describe the environment as "quieter".