little less time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "little less time" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct expression would be "a little less time." Example: "I need a little less time to complete this project than I initially thought."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I have a little less time than he did and a little less time than I want.

The New York Times - Sports

Once older workers lose a job, finding a new one is taking a little less time.

The New York Times

(Cook for a little less time for runny yolks). Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

The Washington Post

The almonds might take a little less time than the other nuts.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's only a little more speed, and a little less time.

The Guardian - Sport

True, it might have taken a little less time to make the purchase online.

The New York Times - Tech

If we do, I may need to spend a little less time at work.

The Guardian - Sport

We suggest a little less time with The Sopranos box set, and a bit more with the transcendental meditation tapes.

Independent

Every team will play, on average, two more games a month, leaving a little less time for practice and rest.

The New York Times - Sports

Meetings may stick more closely to the agenda than they used to, and waste a little less time, but the formal business meeting is far from extinct.

The Economist

She reaches Midtown in about 40 minutes if she remains on the local train, and a little less time if she transfers to the express.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for grammatical precision, use "a little less time" instead of "little less time". This small adjustment ensures clarity and correctness in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid omitting the article 'a' before "little". Saying "little less time" is grammatically incorrect and can make your writing sound informal or unpolished. Always include 'a' for proper grammar.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little less time" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating a reduced duration or period. While frequently used, it is grammatically incorrect without the article 'a', as noted by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "little less time" is a frequently used expression to indicate a reduction in duration. However, according to Ludwig, it's grammatically incorrect in standard written English due to the missing article 'a'. While prevalent in informal contexts and media, it's advisable to use the grammatically correct version, "a little less time", or alternatives like "slightly less time" for clarity and precision, especially in formal settings. Although commonly found in news and media, its non-standard structure impacts its overall suitability for professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit less time

This phrase adds the article 'a' to correct the grammar.

slightly shorter duration

Focuses on the duration being marginally reduced.

marginally reduced timeframe

Emphasizes the reduction in the established timeframe.

somewhat briefer period

Highlights the brevity and conciseness of the time involved.

relatively smaller interval

Stresses the comparative aspect of the time interval.

slightly curtailed period

Highlights that the period of time has been reduced or cut short.

fractionally diminished time

Focuses on a minute decrease in the amount of time.

scarcely reduced time allocation

Emphasizes minimal difference in allotted time.

a shade less time

Indicates a very small amount of time less.

hardly as much time

Highlights that nearly the same amount of time is needed, suggesting minimal reduction.

FAQs

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

No, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect. The proper phrasing is "a little less time". The inclusion of the article "a" makes the phrase grammatically sound.

What's the difference between "little less time" and "a little less time"?

The phrase "a little less time" is grammatically correct, using the article 'a' for proper English. "Little less time" omits this article, making it grammatically incorrect though understandable in informal contexts.

Are there alternative ways to say "a little less time"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "slightly less time", "a bit less time", or "marginally less time" depending on the context and desired emphasis.

When is it appropriate to use "little less time"?

While grammatically incorrect, "little less time" might be acceptable in very informal speech or casual writing where strict adherence to grammar rules is not essential. However, it's best to use "a little less time" in most situations.