make do with less

USAGE SUMMARY

"make do with less" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the idea of utilizing fewer resources (time, money, or materials) and still achieving the desired results. For example, "With the mounting costs, we had to make do with less money this year and still manage to finish the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They want to make do with less.

The New York Times

Organizations are consolidating and learning to make do with less.

The New York Times - Science

The Liberty, like every team, will make do with less.

The New York Times - Sports

"Even films that are successful must make do with less".

The New York Times

When it makes sense for our lives, we make do with less space.

The New York Times

"I'll have to make do with less," Mr. Stahl said with a sigh.

The New York Times

"Therefore, Ariel Sharon will need to make do with less than absolute quiet".

The New York Times

Since the technology bubble burst, start-ups have had to make do with less.

The New York Times

Still, she said, the economic downturn forced her to make do with less city money.

The New York Times - Arts

Now, when budget paring is the priority, the Sanitation Department must make do with less.

The New York Times

And if revenues do stay flat, shareholders may still benefit as employees make do with less of the pot.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make do with less", consider the context. It often implies a situation where resources are limited due to external factors, such as budget cuts or economic downturns. Ensure the sentence clearly reflects this constraint.

Common error

While often used in situations of scarcity, "make do with less" can also reflect a conscious choice for simplicity or sustainability. Ensure your writing accurately conveys the intended meaning, whether it's imposed limitation or voluntary reduction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make do with less" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a larger sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is correct and usable. It describes the act of managing or coping with a reduced amount of something, such as resources, money, or time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make do with less" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of managing with limited resources. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across a range of contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, science, and formal business settings, it implies both adaptation and resourcefulness. Related phrases include "manage with fewer resources" and "tighten your belt". When using this phrase, ensure that the context accurately reflects the presence of constraints, whether imposed or voluntary. This guide helps writers effectively and accurately use "make do with less" in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

manage with fewer resources

Emphasizes the act of managing resources effectively despite scarcity.

stretch resources

Implies making the most of limited resources.

cut back on spending

Focuses on reducing expenses.

reduce consumption

Highlights the act of using fewer goods and services.

economize

Highlights the act of reducing expenditure and being thrifty.

make ends meet

Focuses on balancing income and expenses, often under difficult circumstances.

live frugally

Emphasizes a lifestyle of thrift and avoiding waste.

tighten your belt

A more idiomatic expression suggesting a need to spend less due to financial constraints.

downsize

Suggests reducing in scale or size, often in the context of possessions or operations.

scrape by

Suggests a struggle to survive with minimal resources.

FAQs

How can I use "make do with less" in a sentence?

You can use "make do with less" to describe situations where individuals or organizations must manage with limited resources. For example, "Due to budget cuts, the department had to "make do with less" this year".

What can I say instead of "make do with less"?

You can use alternatives like "manage with fewer resources", "economize", or "tighten your belt" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "make do with less" or "make do with fewer"?

"Make do with less" is generally used for uncountable nouns (like money or time), while "make do with fewer" is used for countable nouns (like employees or supplies). Both are grammatically correct, but their appropriateness depends on the noun they modify. You can "make do with less" money or "make do with fewer" staff members.

What's the difference between "make do with less" and "get by"?

"Make do with less" specifically implies managing with reduced resources, while "get by" suggests surviving or managing to live despite difficult circumstances. "Make do with less" focuses on resourcefulness; "get by" focuses on mere survival.