less work for

USAGE SUMMARY

"less work for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to a decrease in the amount of work one has to do. For example, "I'm glad to have fewer responsibilities this year - that means less work for me!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Less snow, fewer skiers and cold beds have meant less work for local residents.

The New York Times

When some tasks are taken overseas, that leaves less work for patriotic Americans to do, right?

The Economist

The advertising slogan "Less work for mother" became a middle-class mantra.

The New York Times

3. Less work for employees often means more work for customers.

Harvard Business Review

Audiences may not know or care but stuntwomen do because it means less work for them.

The Guardian - Film

As film musicals became more pop-based, there was less work for a vocal stand-in like Nixon.

The Guardian - Film

There was a coherent world view at work, one entailing less work for me and more for my opponent.

The New Yorker

"There's a shortage of deep pockets," Mr. Susman said, "and that could mean early settlements and less work for everyone".

The New York Times

Gonzalez is worried that, when Times Square is redesigned, there will be more neon and so less work for him.

The New Yorker

Angela Hartnett's aubergine gratin is, she says, as tasty as parmigiana, but a lot less work for a quick supper.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When demand for goods and services fell, leaving less work for the same number of people, productivity would often drop.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less work for" to highlight efficiency gains or improvements in processes. This emphasizes the positive outcome of simplification or automation.

Common error

A common mistake is assuming that "less work for" always implies a positive outcome. Sometimes, it can suggest job losses or reduced opportunities. Clarify the context to ensure the intended meaning is conveyed accurately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less work for" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a reduction in workload or effort benefiting a specific person or group. It often modifies a verb or noun, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less work for" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a reduction in workload or effort that benefits someone. As Ludwig confirms, it generally carries a positive connotation by suggesting increased efficiency or ease. However, it's essential to provide context to clarify who benefits and avoid unintended implications like job displacement. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, but also holds relevance in formal business and wiki content. When writing, consider using synonyms such as "reduced workload for" or "simplified tasks for" to diversify your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced workload for

Focuses on the specific aspect of workload being diminished.

decreased effort for

Emphasizes the reduction in the amount of effort required.

simplified tasks for

Highlights that the tasks have become easier to manage.

easier duties for

Specifies that the responsibilities are less demanding.

lighter burden for

Suggests a lessening of responsibility or strain.

streamlined process for

Implies that the operations are more efficient, requiring less manual intervention.

less responsibility for

Directly indicates a decrease in the amount of accountability.

downsized operations for

Indicates a reduction in the scale of activities, leading to less work.

automated procedures for

Emphasizes that the processes are handled automatically, reducing human involvement.

minimized involvement for

Highlights a decrease in the level of participation needed.

FAQs

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

You can use "less work for" to describe situations where tasks are simplified or responsibilities are reduced, such as, "Automation means "less work for" employees and greater efficiency for the company."

What's a more formal way to say "less work for"?

In a formal context, consider using phrases like "reduced workload for", "decreased effort for", or "simplified tasks for" to maintain a professional tone. For example, "The new software results in "reduced workload for" the administrative staff."

Is it always positive when there's "less work for" someone?

Not necessarily. While it often implies efficiency or simplification, "less work for" can also indicate job displacement or reduced opportunities. Context is crucial to understanding the intended meaning.

What phrases are similar to "less work for" that emphasize ease?

Phrases like "easier duties for", "lighter burden for", or "streamlined process for" highlight the ease and convenience resulting from the reduced workload. For instance, "The updated guidelines provide "easier duties for" field agents."