less than 1

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less than 1" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in mathematical, scientific, or statistical contexts to indicate a quantity that is smaller than one unit. Example: "The probability of rain today is less than 1, indicating a low chance of precipitation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Less than 1%, it turns out.

The Economist

Each costs less than 1 euro.

The New York Times - Travel

which is less than 1.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Usage rate less than 1.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

must be less than 1.

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

Thus, is less than 1.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

It totals less than £1,000.

The Guardian

It costs less than £1 per woman.

The Guardian

Less than 1%B.

The Economist

Today, the number is less than 1%.

The New Yorker

Now that figure is less than 50 percent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less than 1" in scientific or statistical contexts, ensure the units of measurement are clearly defined. For example, "The p-value is less than 0.05" is more precise than "The p-value is less than 1".

Common error

Avoid stating that something is "less than 1%" when you mean it's simply "less than 1". A percentage already implies a fraction of 100, so specifying "less than 1%" means it's an even smaller fraction, not just any value below one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less than 1" primarily functions as a quantifier, indicating that a particular value or amount is smaller than the numerical value of one. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English. Examples show it modifying various nouns, such as "percentage", "euro", "tsp", and "million".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less than 1" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote a quantity smaller than the number one. Ludwig AI validates its widespread usability, indicating its effectiveness across varied subjects from statistics to daily life. Its frequency is classified as Common across multiple sources, most notably in News & Media and Science, implying its usefulness in different professional contexts. When using "less than 1", ensure clarity of units and context to avoid ambiguity. Avoid using it interchangeably with percentages or very small fractions without the proper context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

below one

Replaces "less than" with "below", providing a more direct expression of the quantity.

under one

Similar to "below one", this phrase uses "under" to indicate a value that does not reach one.

less than unity

Replaces the number "1" with its formal equivalent, "unity", making it sound more technical.

not exceeding one

Provides a boundary condition, specifying the upper limit of the quantity.

a fraction of one

Emphasizes the very small size of the quantity by expressing it as a fraction.

a small fraction

This phrase focuses on the diminutive quantity, without explicitly relating it to the number one.

a tiny percentage

Highlights the minuscule nature of the quantity relative to a whole.

a marginal amount

Highlights the insignificance of the quantity in question.

a negligible quantity

Emphasizes that the amount is so small it can be disregarded.

close to zero

Indicates proximity to zero, implying a value smaller than one but near the lower bound.

FAQs

How can I use "less than 1" in a sentence?

You can use "less than 1" to describe a quantity, measurement, or proportion that is smaller than the number one. For example: "The concentration of the substance was "below one" part per million" or "The experiment had a probability of success "smaller than 1"."

What are some alternatives to saying "less than 1"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as ""below one"", "under one", or "a fraction of one" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "less than 1%"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct, but it's important to understand that "less than 1%" refers to a value that is a very small fraction of one percent (i.e., "a tiny percentage"), not just any value below one. If you simply mean 'less than one', use "less than 1".

What's the difference between "less than 1" and "close to zero"?

"Less than 1" indicates that a value is smaller than the number one, while "close to zero" implies that the value is both smaller than one and near zero. The latter suggests a value that is nearly negligible.