markedly less than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "markedly less than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a significant difference in quantity or degree compared to something else. Example: "The results of the experiment were markedly less than what we had anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That was markedly less than the write-downs it made the previous quarter.

The New York Times

It will appear at Co vent Garden markedly less than the present Royal Bal let company.

The New York Times

For first-time buyers, Nationwide's figures show that mortgage payments make up just under 35% of take-home pay, markedly less than the 52% reached in 2007.

The Guardian

"While staying focused on the work ahead, we should note that the number of children dying from malaria today is markedly less than eight years ago," he said.

The Guardian

Because this expense is markedly less than the utility cost savings of $7,000, the owner is cash-flow positive from day one after retrofit.

Harvard Business Review

In any event, compared with 1998, gross domestic product in Norway grew by only 1.5%, the consumer price index maintained a 2.5% growth rate, and private and public consumption grew markedly less than in 1998.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When it comes to carrying cargo instead of people, the Quest has an advantage — easy-folding second- and third-row seats — and a disadvantage, in that its maximum cargo capacity is markedly less than its main rivals'.

The New York Times

There I'll be, in my flat, working hard at the computer or reading Proust (trans: making tea and watching Star Trek: Voyager), and the markedly less than dulcet tones of a PE teacher or head of year will float through the window mocking the kids for not being able to catch or threatening them with detention if they dare speak.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Andrews said advertising spending for the other four redesigned sites -- which will cover marketing, media, digital entertainment and agriculture -- would be "markedly less" than that allotted to TelecomClick, because Primedia will use About.com to promote them, as well as TelecomClick.

The New York Times

They were getting less than nine hours of sleep, markedly less than the 10 to 13 hours the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends for children ages 3 to 5. "Sleep is an issue for anything where you are trying to measure attention.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Turns out Gov. Pat Quinn might not be the only Illinois Democrat who'd prefer to forget a markedly less-than-stellar showing at the State Fair earlier this month.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "markedly less than", ensure that the comparison is clear and the difference is significant enough to warrant the emphasis. Provide specific data or context to support the assertion.

Common error

Avoid using "markedly less than" when the difference is negligible or statistically insignificant. Overstating the difference can undermine the credibility of your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "markedly less than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating that it is significantly smaller or lower in some respect than another noun used as a point of reference. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "markedly less than" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative phrase that serves to emphasize a significant difference between two entities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its function is to highlight a notable reduction or decrease. It's most commonly found in scientific and news contexts, suggesting a formal to neutral tone. When using "markedly less than", ensure that the comparison is clear and supported by evidence, as overstating the difference could diminish credibility. Semantically related alternatives include "significantly lower than" and "considerably smaller than", offering varied ways to express the same concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerably smaller than

Emphasizes the notable difference in size or amount.

significantly lower than

Highlights the statistical or noticeable reduction.

appreciably fewer than

Focuses on a noticeable decrease in number.

noticeably reduced compared to

Indicates a perceptible decrease when contrasted with something.

substantially diminished from

Suggests a large reduction, often in a formal context.

distinctly smaller in comparison to

Highlights the clear difference in size through comparison.

visibly less than

Implies the difference is easily observed.

palpably reduced from

Emphasizes that the reduction is easily perceived or felt.

measurably smaller than

Indicates the difference has been quantified and found to be smaller.

demonstrably lower than

Suggests the lower value can be proven or shown.

FAQs

How to use "markedly less than" in a sentence?

Use "markedly less than" to indicate a significant decrease or reduction in quantity, degree, or value when compared to something else. For example, "The cost was "markedly less than" expected."

What can I say instead of "markedly less than"?

You can use alternatives like "significantly lower than", "considerably smaller than", or "appreciably fewer than" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "markedly less than" or "slightly less than"?

Both are correct, but they convey different meanings. "Markedly less than" indicates a substantial difference, while "slightly less than" indicates a minor difference.

What's the difference between "markedly less than" and "much less than"?

"Markedly less than" often implies a more formal or scientific context and suggests a difference that is easily noticeable or measurable. "Much less than" is more general and can be used in a wider range of situations.