many less than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "many less than" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to compare two or more groups and show that one group has less than the other group. For example: "The number of people in the first group was many less than the number of people in the second group."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

I haven't actually done that many, less than 50%.

The Guardian - Film

Drinking water is still supplied on an intermittent basis in most Indian cities (many less than 6hrs/day).

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

There are now more than 900 leadership studies programs at American colleges and universities, many less than 10 years old.

The New York Times - Books

"Ecstatic Cahoots" holds fifty very brief stories — many less than a page long — that swing between fantastical imaginings and sharply captured everyday scenes.

The New Yorker

There, again despite many less than enthusiastic reviews, the film also topped box offices and has so far pulled in over $120m£75m5m).

The Guardian - Film

Yet too many less than satisfying novelties could alienate all those black-clad hipsters, however loyal they may be to the BAM brand.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

In 1970s Britain the over-used adjective "Keynesian" came attached to many less-than-pleasant things.

Independent

Many less-than-great writers and, now, film directors have sought to bring her story to life.

The New York Times - Books

But the parade of past winners also demonstrated how many less-than-stellar performers in forgettable films have grabbed the prize over the years.

The New York Times

But you rarely hear these options mentioned in the many less-than-responsible "sky is falling" articles, blog posts and television appearances.

The Washington Post

Its presence, in fact, points up the dead spots in the show: a surfeit of Oldenbergs, too many less-than-stellar Johns, a too-cute Lichtenstein sculpture, an unspecial Ed Ruscha, a Jim Dine painting.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "many less than", ensure the comparison is clear and the units being compared are consistent. For example, "many less than" should be followed by a specific number, quantity, or group to provide context.

Common error

Avoid using "many less than" with singular nouns. It's designed for comparisons involving countable, plural entities. For example, instead of "many less than car", use "many fewer cars".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "many less than" functions as a comparative quantifier, indicating that the quantity of one thing is significantly smaller than another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and serves to establish a distinct numerical contrast. Examples show its use across different subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "many less than" is a grammatically correct and widely used comparative quantifier that expresses a noticeable difference in quantity. As Ludwig AI verifies, it effectively highlights a reduction in one amount compared to another. Its use is prevalent in neutral to formal contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science, making it suitable for professional communication. To maximize clarity, ensure comparisons are well-defined and plural nouns are used correctly. Consider alternatives like "significantly fewer than" or "a smaller number than" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a smaller number than

Focuses on the numerical aspect of the difference.

far fewer than

Highlights a considerable gap in numbers.

significantly fewer than

Emphasizes a larger difference in quantity.

substantially fewer than

Implies a significant disparity in count.

considerably less than

Highlights the notable reduction in amount.

markedly less than

Emphasizes a noticeable contrast.

noticeably fewer than

Indicates an easily observed difference in quantity.

appreciably less than

Stresses a measurable difference.

a reduced quantity compared to

Focuses on the comparison of quantities.

a diminished amount compared to

Emphasizes the reduced size or extent.

FAQs

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

Use "many less than" to compare quantities. For example, "There were "many less than" 50 people at the meeting" indicates a small attendance.

What are some alternatives to "many less than"?

Alternatives include "significantly fewer than", "a smaller number than", or "far fewer than", depending on the context.

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

Yes, it is grammatically correct when used to compare quantities or amounts. It signifies that one group has a considerably smaller number of items compared to another.

What is the difference between "many less than" and "much less than"?

"Many less than" is used with countable nouns (e.g., "many less than books"), while "much less than" is used with uncountable nouns (e.g., "much less than water").