less than ever

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less than ever" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a decrease in a particular quality or feeling compared to previous times. Example: "I feel less than ever motivated to continue with this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Now less than ever.

The Guardian - Sport

As a result, I travel less than ever.

The New York Times

We are more obese and exercising less than ever before.

The New York Times

Those labels now mean less than ever before.

The Guardian - Opinion

But today his legacy depends less than ever on his fantasy literature.

The New York Times

But coaches worry about that less than ever, since rosters are filled with 3-point threats.

The New York Times - Sports

Meanwhile, it now costs less than ever to build a Web site or mobile app.

The New York Times - Tech

We may know less than ever about what's really going on.

The New York Times - Arts

Though technology has eased the task of dealing with leftovers, Americans have come to depend on them less than ever.

The New York Times

New printing techniques had made it easier to manufacture good-looking books for less than ever before.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The U.S. would appear less hypocritical, and also less relevant than ever.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less than ever" to highlight a significant decrease or decline compared to past conditions or expectations. It adds emphasis to the diminishing aspect of a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "less than ever" when the comparison is not about a trend over time but rather a static comparison between two things at a single point in time. Use a simple comparative adjective instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less than ever" functions as an adverbial phrase of degree, modifying a verb or adjective to indicate a reduced quantity, intensity, or frequency compared to all previous instances. Ludwig AI confirms that "less than ever" expresses a reduction that is more significant than just 'less than before'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

11%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less than ever" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies a notable decline from past occurrences. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its function is to emphasize that the current level of something is lower than it has ever been before. Predominantly found in News & Media, it is also common in Formal & Business and Science contexts. It is important to ensure that the comparison being made is indeed to all past instances and not simply a static comparison. Alternatives include "not as much as before" or "even less than before", depending on the specific shade of meaning intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even less than before

Highlights the continuation of a decreasing trend.

not as much as before

Emphasizes a decrease from a previous state without necessarily implying a record low.

not nearly as much as in the past

Focuses on the significant difference between the current state and a past one.

to a smaller degree

Indicates a weaker or less intense quality compared to what was previously observed.

to a lesser extent than previously

A more formal way of expressing a reduction compared to the past.

not so much anymore

Suggests a change in prevalence or importance.

at a reduced rate

Implies a slower pace or intensity compared to earlier times.

decreasingly

Expresses a continuous decline over time.

on the decline

Highlights the downward trend or deterioration.

fewer than ever before

Focuses on quantity rather than degree but can be used in similar contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "less than ever" to describe a situation where something is decreasing or diminishing compared to the past. For example, "People trust the government "less than ever"."

What phrases are similar to "less than ever"?

Similar phrases include "not as much as before", "even less than before", or "to a lesser extent than previously". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "least than ever" instead of "less than ever"?

No, "least than ever" is not a standard or grammatically correct phrase. The correct phrase to use is "less than ever", which expresses a comparison to past instances.

What is the difference between "less than before" and "less than ever"?

"Less than before" simply indicates a reduction compared to a previous state. "Less than ever", on the other hand, emphasizes that the current state is at a record low or a significant decline compared to all past instances.