little less

USAGE SUMMARY

"little less" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to compare two things or quantities, indicating that one is slightly smaller or lesser than the other. For example: - The cake was a little less sweet than I expected. - She earned a little less money this month than last month. - The new phone is a little less expensive than the old model. - I need a little less time to finish this project. - He seemed a little less confident after the feedback from his boss.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Talk a little less.

The Economist

"Perhaps a little less".

The New York Times

A little less complainy".

The New Yorker

A little less fun.

The New York Times

"A little less teeth.

The New Yorker

A little less.

The New Yorker

(Women a little less).

The New York Times

I reported a little less".

The New Yorker

A little less visited?

The Guardian - Travel

A little less Bromo.

The New York Times

A little less crucial.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "little less" to indicate a slight difference or reduction, ensuring the context makes the comparison clear. For example, "This coffee has a "little less" sugar than the one I usually get".

Common error

Avoid using "little less" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise language is expected. Opt for terms like "slightly reduced" or "marginally lower" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little less" primarily functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating a degree or extent to which something is reduced or lessened. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase. For example, "a little less harsh" shows reduction in harshness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "little less" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to indicate a slight reduction or decrease in something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile enough for everyday conversation and news reporting. Predominantly found in the context of news and media, "little less" serves to make comparisons, offer gentle suggestions, or provide polite criticisms. While the phrase maintains a neutral tone, it's recommended to use more precise language in academic or formal writing, opting for alternatives like "slightly less" or "somewhat diminished". Remember to ensure clarity in your comparisons and avoid using the phrase in overly formal contexts to maintain a consistent tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly fewer

Replaces "less" with "fewer", emphasizing a smaller quantity.

a bit smaller

Uses "smaller" to denote a reduced size or amount.

marginally reduced

Emphasizes a small degree of reduction.

somewhat diminished

Suggests a slight decrease in quality or importance.

relatively lower

Highlights a comparison where one item is at a reduced level.

fractionally decreased

Indicates a decrease, but only by a fraction.

minimally less

Emphasizes that the reduction is minimal.

hardly any less

Indicates that the reduction is barely noticeable.

scarcely reduced

Suggests the reduction is so small as to be almost negligible.

a shade under

Informal way of saying slightly below a certain amount or level.

FAQs

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

Use "little less" to indicate a slight reduction or smaller quantity. For example, "I need a "little less" salt in my soup" or "Could you be a "little less" noisy, please?"

What is a more formal alternative to "little less"?

For more formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "slightly less", "somewhat less", or "marginally lower".

Is it correct to say "a little less" or "little less"?

Both "a little less" and "little less" are grammatically correct, but "a little less" is more common and generally preferred in most contexts. "Little less" is also fine, but the article 'a' often provides a smoother flow.

What's the difference between "little less" and "much less"?

"Little less" indicates a small reduction or difference, while "much less" suggests a significantly larger difference or a negative condition. For instance, "This car costs a little less" versus "I have no money, much less enough for a car".