less than mine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less than mine" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare something that is of lower quality, quantity, or value than what belongs to the speaker. Example: "Her performance was impressive, but it was still less than mine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"It became very clear to us that my husband's words were less than mine," she said.

The New York Times - Magazine

We would have struggled to survive on my partner's salary, less than mine but still just above the £27,000 national average.

The Guardian - Opinion

At that time it was unimaginable that I would end up dancing in a final against two talented and super-athletic young people whose combined age was less than mine.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Eight of the alleged co-conspirators received sentences that were much less than mine.

Vice

The thing is, each and every one of us experiences pain and suffering in this life, yours is no greater or less than mine, it is only different.

Huffington Post

Yet, I found that the competition was too willing to bid low dollar amounts for their work or they lived in areas where the cost of living was significantly less than mine, thereby being able to bid lower and still earn a significant living.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It is less cluttered than mine, though.

The Guardian - Arts

It's only slightly less cynical than mine!

The New York Times

Anyway, I'm back and I hope that your weekend was substantially less embarrassing than mine.

The New York Times

And yet even these obsessions were considered less bizarre than mine.

The Guardian - Sport

I guarantee your predictions are way less arbitrary than mine, so don't hesitate.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less than mine", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being compared. For instance, specify if you're referring to quantity, quality, or value.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "less than mine" can sound informal. In professional writing, consider using alternatives such as "inferior to mine" or "to a lesser extent than mine" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less than mine" functions as a comparative, used to indicate that something belonging to another person or entity is inferior or smaller in some way compared to something belonging to the speaker. Ludwig shows various examples demonstrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less than mine" is a grammatically correct comparative expression used to indicate that something is inferior or smaller compared to something belonging to the speaker. While Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is usable, it's more common in neutral and informal contexts, particularly in news and media. For formal writing, consider alternatives such as "inferior to mine" or "to a lesser extent than mine". Remember to maintain clarity in your comparisons and be mindful of the tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inferior to mine

Emphasizes the lower quality or status in comparison.

not as good as mine

A more direct and simple way to express a lower level of quality.

smaller than mine

Focuses on a difference in size or quantity.

lower than mine

Indicates a reduction in level, rank, or amount.

to a lesser extent than mine

A more formal and elaborate way to convey a smaller degree.

not quite as much as mine

Highlights the slight difference in quantity or degree.

of a lower standard than mine

Stresses the difference in quality and standards.

to a reduced degree compared to mine

Formal alternative to refer a smaller degree.

not on par with mine

Expresses that something does not reach the same level.

not up to my standards

Indicates something failing to meet personal expectations.

FAQs

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

You can use "less than mine" to compare something that is of lower quantity, quality, or value than what belongs to the speaker. For example: "Her salary is "lower than mine"."

What are some alternatives to "less than mine"?

Alternatives include "inferior to mine", "not as good as mine", or "smaller than mine", depending on the specific context.

Is "less than mine" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "less than mine" can be informal. For formal writing, consider more precise and professional alternatives like "to a lesser extent than mine" or "of a lower standard than mine".

What's the difference between "less than mine" and "less than me"?

"Less than mine" implies a comparison of possessions or qualities, while "less than me" implies a comparison of personal worth or abilities. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning.