less than typical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less than typical" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is below the usual standard or expectation in a particular context. Example: "The weather this summer has been less than typical, with more rain than sunshine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

"Less than typical Christmas traffic" is how he summed it up.

The New York Times

Investors and companies are increasingly looking to benefit from cost efficiencies, with maintenance bills around 20% less than typical commercial buildings.

The Guardian

Here 'a small amount of gas transfer technique' was developed to prepare SGMs, in which the number of dilution stages could be much less than typical process.

Measurement

Expected power transmission reductions for modified control strategies that incorporate constrained actuator outputs are considerably less than typical reductions with unconstrained actuator outputs.

Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing

Observations show that flapping waves propagate from the center of the current sheet to its flanks with a velocity one order of magnitude less than typical Alfvén speed.

Advances in Space Research

Apotex's generic version is selling for about 10 to 20percentt less than typical $4-a-day 4-a-day which is widely used to prevent recurrences of heart attacks and strokes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

One reason the less-than-typical offerings often work is because the kitchen has the basics down.

The New York Times

A typical pre-fete disaster, with a less-than-typical solution--city workers were there in less than 20 minutes.

Los Angeles Times

They produce little pollution and use less energy than typical auto engines and power plants.

The New York Times

The strands would cause far less inflammation than typical, stiffer fibre-optic cables do.

The New Yorker

The company's Flyknit Racer running shoe, for instance, creates two-thirds less waste than typical running shoes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less than typical", ensure the context clearly establishes what the 'typical' benchmark is. For example, "The response rate was less than typical for this time of year."

Common error

Avoid using "less than typical" when the comparison point is unclear or undefined. For example, instead of saying "The project's progress was less than typical", specify what you're comparing it to: "The project's progress was less than typical for projects of this complexity."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less than typical" functions as a modifier, typically used to describe a noun. It indicates that the noun it modifies is below the average or expected level. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less than typical" is a versatile expression used to denote that something falls below the expected standard or average. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically sound and acceptable for use. The phrase is frequently found in both news and scientific contexts, indicating its neutrality and broad applicability. When using "less than typical", it's important to provide a clear comparison point to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. While many alternatives exist, such as "below average" and "subpar", choosing the right synonym depends heavily on the specific context and the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

below average

Focuses on a quantitative comparison against an average value.

subpar

Implies a lower quality or performance than the standard.

not up to par

Similar to 'subpar', but uses a golfing metaphor to suggest a failure to meet the expected standard.

uncommon

Emphasizes the infrequency of the occurrence.

atypical

Highlights the deviation from the usual type or pattern.

deviant

Stronger connotation suggesting departure from accepted standards.

anomalous

Indicates a deviation from what is standard, normal, or expected.

unrepresentative

Suggests that something does not accurately reflect a larger group or population.

out of the ordinary

Focuses on the unexpected or unusual nature of something.

exceptional

Can imply either better or worse than the norm, depending on context, but more often is used to signal 'better'.

FAQs

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

You can use "less than typical" to describe something that is below the usual standard or expectation. For example, "The attendance at the meeting was "less than typical" this month."

What's a more formal alternative to "less than typical"?

In a more formal setting, you could use phrases such as "below average" or "subpar" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "less than typical" always negative?

While "less than typical" often implies a negative deviation from the norm, it isn't inherently negative. The negativity depends on what is considered "typical" in that context. For instance, "less than typical rainfall" might be negative during a drought, but positive during a flood season.

What's the difference between "less than typical" and "atypical"?

"Less than typical" implies a quantitative difference from the norm, while "atypical" suggests a qualitative difference in type or nature. You would use "less than typical" to say the amount of something is lower than expected, and "atypical" to suggest that it doesn't conform to the usual pattern.