less work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less work" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to indicate a smaller or reduced amount of work compared to something else. Example: "I chose this job because it offers less work and more flexibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not more people, less work".

The New York Times

"It's much less work".

The New York Times

More money, less work.

The Guardian - Sport

Less nagging, less work.

The Washington Post

"Cheers to less work and more play".

The New York Times

Less work, and more intuitive.

The Guardian

"Machines allow you to do less work".

The New York Times

Less rewarding, less work, but still fun.

The Guardian - Opinion

That would take much less work.

The New York Times

The less work that gets done, the less work there is to do.

The New Yorker

There is less work on younger infants and less work on controlled-reared animals.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less work" when you want to emphasize a reduction in the quantity or intensity of tasks. For example, "Automation has led to "less work" for data entry clerks."

Common error

Avoid using "less work" as a justification for avoiding responsibilities. Instead, frame it as a desire for efficiency or a better work-life balance. For example, instead of saying "I want "less work"", say "I'm seeking ways to streamline my tasks for better efficiency".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less work" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as the subject or object of a sentence, indicating a smaller quantity of work. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

16%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less work" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to denote a reduction in the amount or intensity of tasks. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage. It functions as a noun phrase and serves the purpose of communicating a desire for reduced workload or improved efficiency. While it appears across various contexts, it is most frequently found in News & Media. When using "less work", it's essential to ensure it doesn't come across as an excuse for laziness but rather as a pursuit of efficiency or a better work-life balance. Alternatives include phrases such as "reduced workload" or "lighter workload".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced workload

This alternative uses a noun phrase to describe the state of having a smaller amount of work.

lighter workload

This uses 'lighter' as an adjective, emphasizing the reduced burden of the work.

decreased effort

Focuses on the reduction in the amount of effort required.

lower workload

Similar to 'reduced workload', but uses 'lower' to indicate a decrease.

fewer responsibilities

Highlights the decrease in the number of duties or tasks one has to handle.

simplified tasks

This alternative emphasizes that tasks are easier and require less effort.

streamlined processes

Implies efficiency improvements that lead to reduced effort.

downsized responsibilities

Uses 'downsized' to convey a reduction in scope and effort.

easier tasks

Focuses on the tasks being less difficult to accomplish.

minimal effort

Highlights the minimal amount of effort required.

FAQs

How can I use "less work" in a sentence?

You can use "less work" to indicate a reduction in the amount of effort or tasks required. For example, "The new software means "less work" for the accounting team".

What is a good alternative to "less work"?

Alternatives to "less work" include "reduced workload", "lighter workload", or "decreased effort", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less work"?

Yes, "less work" is grammatically correct. "Less" is used for uncountable nouns like "work", while "fewer" is used for countable nouns.

What does it mean to have "less work"?

Having "less work" typically means having fewer tasks, responsibilities, or a lighter workload compared to a previous or expected situation. It can also imply that the tasks are easier or require less effort to complete.