less to work with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less to work with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation where there are fewer resources, options, or materials available for a task or project. Example: "With the budget cuts, we have less to work with for this year's marketing campaign."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

For a start, they've a lot less to work with.

The Guardian - Travel

But black men and women have been convicted with much less to work with".

The Guardian - Opinion

And with Mr. McGrath's synoptic script, he has far less to work with.

The New York Times

Mr. Matvienko, in Edward Clug's "Guilty," had less to work with.

The New York Times - Arts

They're much simpler than faces, which is good, but they also give us much less to work with.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Fellow Harewood artist Catherine Young has less to work with as Amastris, but impresses nonetheless, while Andrew Watts' Arsamenes and Adrian Powter's Elviro both carry well.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Stockbroking was seen as a dubious business, devoted less to working with the customer than to working the customer.

The Economist

That means each new worker is most likely not just less skilled but also has less capital to work with, less help from machinery or software to increase output and generate income.

The New York Times

About half considered that they were not viewed as particularly appreciative of the care that they received or were less interesting and less rewarding to work with compared to other patients.

Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica

Without the philanthropy and increased access to rent-free space in public school buildings that charter networks have, independent schools have less money to work with and less clout.

The New York Times

note: add, "but who is less likely to work with the CIA") and less likely to peaceably put up with the environmental rape of our land more likely to value economic development and the role a "harmonious society" can play.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less to work with", clearly specify what is limited (e.g., budget, time, data) to provide context.

Common error

Avoid using "less to work with" without specifying the area of limitation. For instance, instead of saying "We have less to work with", clarify with "We have less funding to work with this quarter."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "less to work with" is that of a modifier, often functioning as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of reduced resources. As Ludwig examples show, it describes a situation where someone has fewer resources or options available for a task.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less to work with" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that there are fewer resources or options available for a task or project. Ludwig AI confirms this, highlighting its usability in various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, as well as scientific sources. To enhance clarity, it's best to specify what is limited, such as time, budget, or data. Alternatives include "fewer resources available" and "limited options to utilize". When writing, be sure to avoid vague usage by always specifying the area of limitation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fewer resources available

Emphasizes the reduced quantity of resources.

limited options to utilize

Highlights the constraint in the number of choices.

reduced scope for action

Focuses on the diminished range of possible actions.

smaller budget to operate with

Specifically refers to financial constraints.

constrained by limitations

Highlights the presence of imposed restrictions.

operating under constraints

Focuses on the act of functioning within limitations.

lacking sufficient material

Highlights the absence of adequate supplies.

operating with diminished capacity

Emphasizes the reduced ability to perform.

scarce resources at hand

Highlights the limited availability of resources.

hampered by restrictions

Focuses on the impediment caused by limitations.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "less to work with"?

You can use alternatives like "fewer resources available", "limited options to utilize", or "smaller budget to operate with depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less to work with"?

Yes, "less to work with" is grammatically correct and commonly used to indicate a reduction in available resources or options. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

What does it mean to have "less to work with"?

Having "less to work with" means you have fewer resources, such as money, time, materials, or information, to accomplish a task or project. It implies a limitation that can make the task more challenging.

How do I use "less to work with" in a sentence?

You can use "less to work with" to describe a situation where resources are constrained. For example, "Due to budget cuts, the team has "less money to work with" this year" or "With the new software restrictions, developers have "less data to work with".