little less than

USAGE SUMMARY

"little less than" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that something is almost, but not quite, a certain amount. For example, "She was a little less than enthusiastic about the idea."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Maintenance was a little less than $500.

The New York Times

Japan spends a little less than that.

The New York Times

O.K., a little less than that, even.

The New York Times

It costs a little less than $5.

The New York Times - Food

I might put in a little less than a tablespoon.

Cornell University

(The answer: a little less than 17 gallons).

The New York Times

A little less than half of the shooting time.

The New York Times

It lasts a little less than an hour.

The New York Times - Arts

Maintenance is a little less than $1,000 a month.

The New York Times

And you'd pay a little less than (ouch) $26.95.

The New York Times - Books

There's a little less than a month of summer left.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "little less than", ensure the context clearly establishes what you are comparing against. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

While acceptable, repeatedly using "little less than" can make your writing sound less sophisticated. Vary your language with alternatives like "slightly under" or "just below" to enhance readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little less than" primarily functions as a qualifier, modifying a noun or noun phrase to indicate that it is slightly smaller in quantity, degree, or extent. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

35%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "little less than" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a slight deficiency or approximation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across varied contexts. It functions as a qualifier, communicating that something falls marginally short of a specific value. While appropriate in neutral settings like news and general writing, you should opt for more precise alternatives in highly formal or technical situations. Be mindful of overuse, and enrich your writing by incorporating alternatives like "slightly under" or "just below". This will enhance clarity and sophistication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly under

Emphasizes the closeness to a specific value, focusing on being just below it.

just below

Highlights the position immediately beneath a given level or amount.

a shade under

Indicates a marginal difference, suggesting a very small amount less.

not quite as much as

Focuses on comparing two quantities, noting that one is slightly smaller.

somewhat shy of

Suggests that something is lacking to reach a certain standard or amount.

fractionally below

Highlights a very small difference, indicating that the quantity is just a fraction less.

marginally less than

Emphasizes that the difference is small and insignificant.

a touch below

Indicates a slight deviation from a specified level or value.

scarcely reaching

Focuses on the fact that something almost reaches a certain point but doesn't quite make it.

almost but not quite

Directly states that something is very close to being something else but falls short.

FAQs

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

Use "little less than" to indicate that a value or quantity is slightly smaller than a given amount. For example, "The project took a "little less than" three months to complete".

What phrases are similar to "little less than"?

Alternatives to "little less than" include "slightly under", "just below", or "a shade under", each conveying a similar meaning of being marginally smaller.

Is it grammatically correct to say "little less than"?

Yes, "little less than" is grammatically correct. It's a common and accepted way to express that something is slightly smaller or less than a particular value.

When should I avoid using "little less than"?

While generally acceptable, consider using more precise language in highly formal or technical contexts where accuracy is paramount. Alternatives like "slightly below" or specifying the exact difference might be more appropriate.