less using

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less using" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically intended to convey a reduction in the frequency of use, but the construction is awkward and not idiomatic. Example: "I am trying to focus on less using my phone during work hours."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We find that when charged frequently, every 20 miles or less, using average US electricity, small-capacity PHEVs are less expensive and release fewer GHGs than hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) or conventional vehicles.

Energy Policy

For the series Ms. Rogers reconfigured her design, more or less using Kurosawa's "Rashomon" as the model.

The New York Times - Arts

JUST changing the flow of funding, much less using the money effectively, often takes far longer than hoped.

The New York Times

[Editor's note: it's not very easy to read, either.] If we're actually interested in reducing waste, just printing less – using less paper – is obviously more efficient.

The Guardian - Arts

Mr Rasmussen's answer is to do more with less, using "smart defence", pooling and sharing equipment and capabilities.

The Economist

3D scanners are traditionally expensive, however projects like the Rubicon 3D scanner are attempting to change that with kits costing around £200 or less, using a combination of bespoke parts and common computer components.

The Guardian - Tech

As your editorial pointed out, Syria's leader denies even having any such weapons, much less using them in a chemical attack.

The New York Times

There's mixed evidence on whether pension accounts create new saving: whether or not people who have accounts save more or simply save less using other sources.

The Economist

You can dip your toe into underwater photography for even less using a $12 disposable underwater camera (you'll also have to pay for processing).

The New York Times

Residents say the train ride to Manhattan generally takes 50 minutes or less using express trains, but track work can increase that time considerably.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In this paper, 1D variable digital filters (VDFs) with tunable cut-off frequencies are designed using Farrow structure based interpolation approach, and the sub-filter coefficients in the Farrow structure are made multiplier-less using canonic signed digit (CSD) representation.

Journal of Advanced Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer the phrase "using less" for better grammatical accuracy. For example, instead of writing "less using paper", opt for "using less paper".

Common error

Avoid placing "less" before "using". It's more natural and grammatically correct to say "using less" rather than "less using". The latter sounds awkward and isn't standard English.

Linguistic Context

While grammatically questionable, the phrase "less using" functions as a modifier phrase, aiming to indicate a reduction in the application or consumption of something. However, as Ludwig AI points out, it deviates from standard English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "less using" appears frequently across various sources, including news and scientific publications, it is grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI states that the standard English phrasing is "using less". Although "less using" aims to convey a reduction in consumption or application, favoring "using less" or other alternatives like "reducing the usage of" will ensure grammatical accuracy and clarity. Despite its prevalent use, aiming for grammatically sound alternatives enhances the credibility and effectiveness of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

using less

Reverses the order of the words, creating a more grammatically correct phrase.

reducing the usage of

Replaces "less" with "reducing the usage", which provides a clearer and more formal tone.

decreasing use of

Similar to "reducing usage", but employs the term "decreasing" for emphasis on the reduction.

utilizing fewer

Substitutes "less using" with "utilizing fewer", which is more appropriate when referring to countable items.

employing alternative methods

Shifts the focus to employing other techniques or strategies instead of just "less using".

opting for a reduced application

This suggests a conscious decision to reduce how something is applied or used.

diminishing the employment of

A more formal way of saying "less using", focusing on decreasing how something is used.

limiting the application of

Highlights the act of setting boundaries on how much something is used.

lowering the extent of use

This emphasizes the scale or degree to which something is being used.

relying less on

Indicates a shift in dependence from one thing to another, aiming at reducing reliance.

FAQs

What's the proper way to say "less using"?

The correct phrasing is "using less". The word order makes a significant difference in grammatical accuracy.

What does it mean to say "using less" of something?

It means to reduce the amount of something being consumed or employed. For example, "using less energy" means reducing energy consumption.

Are there alternatives for "less using" that sound more professional?

Yes, you can use phrases like "reducing the usage of", "decreasing use of", or "limiting the application of" depending on the context.

How can I avoid making mistakes when wanting to express "less using"?

Always prioritize the "using less" structure. If you're unsure, try replacing "less using" with a phrase like "reducing the amount of" to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness.