minus than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "minus than" is not correct and usable in written English.
It is a common error that may occur when someone intends to use "less than" to compare quantities or amounts. Example: "The temperature today is minus than it was yesterday."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Many in the public interest community see Wheeler's insider status as more of a minus than a plus.

Huffington Post

At first, the structure stability of cumulene and polyyne is demonstrated to be lower than SWNT because their Gibbs free energy is more minus than that of (5,5) SWNT.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The observed PCR product sizes were mainly equal to the expected ones with differences minus than 10 nucleotides.

BMC Genomics

The preferred criterion to define myopia in this study is that used clinically in Australia: a spherical equivalent equal to or more minus than -0.50 D. However, as myopia more minus than -0.50 D has occasionally been used to define myopia in epidemiological studies [ 13, 19, 41], analyses using the criterion 'myopia more minus than -0.50 D' were also performed for comparison.

BMC Ophthalmology

Only 6.9% of children of all ages had refractive errors more minus than -0.50 DS, ranging from 2.3% of 4 year olds to 13.3% of 12 year olds (Fig. 2).

BMC Ophthalmology

If the more liberal definition of myopia is applied (myopia equal to or more minus than -0.50), then 8.4% of all children were myopic (ranging from 2.3% of 2 year olds to 14.7% of 12 year olds).

BMC Ophthalmology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But add up the deeds, and there are many more minuses than pluses.One large example: the plan to save the banking system, which collapsed in August, taking with it all hopes for economic recovery.

The Economist

The device is 5″ x 7″, closer to the current iPad mini than anything else, which is 5.3″ by 7.87″.

TechCrunch

Holding the iPad Air actually feels closer to holding an iPad mini than to the regular-sized iPad.

TechCrunch

Yes, touch-targets are slightly smaller on the iPad mini than they are on the iPad, but I haven't had an issue with this.

TechCrunch

Truth be told, the iPad Air actually feels a lot more like an iPad mini than any of the older 9.7-inch iPads thanks to the trimmed down sides.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing quantities or values, always use "less than" instead of the incorrect phrase "minus than" to ensure grammatical accuracy.

Common error

Avoid using "minus" in comparative contexts. "Minus" indicates subtraction, while "less than" is used for comparisons. Using the correct term ensures clarity and avoids grammatical errors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "minus than" is grammatically incorrect and is not a standard comparative construction in English. Instead, "less than" should be used. Ludwig AI confirms that "minus than" is not correct and provides examples using the correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "minus than" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in writing and speech. As Ludwig AI highlights, the correct alternative is "less than", which accurately conveys the intended comparative meaning. Although examples exist, primarily in Science and News & Media contexts, these instances likely represent errors rather than accepted usage. Always opt for "less than" to ensure grammatical correctness and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less than

Indicates a smaller quantity, degree, or amount, and is grammatically correct.

smaller than

Emphasizes physical size or numerical value being lower in comparison.

lower than

Focuses on a reduced level or position relative to a standard.

below

Implies a position underneath or a level that is inferior to something else.

under

Suggests being directly beneath or covered by something, also used metaphorically for being subject to a condition.

not exceeding

Specifies an upper limit that should not be surpassed.

inferior to

Highlights a lower quality or status in comparison.

to a lesser extent than

More formally indicates a reduced degree or impact.

falls short of

Suggests a failure to reach a certain standard or requirement.

at a deficit compared to

Indicates a state of lacking or being insufficient when contrasted with another.

FAQs

What's the proper way to use "less than" in a sentence?

Use "less than" to compare quantities or values. For example, "The cost is "less than" expected" indicates the cost is lower than the expectation.

Is "minus than" grammatically correct?

No, "minus than" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrase is "less than", which is used to show that one value is smaller than another.

How does "less than" differ from "fewer than"?

"Less than" is used for uncountable nouns (e.g., "less than water"), while "fewer than" is used for countable nouns (e.g., "fewer than apples"). Understanding this distinction ensures proper usage in writing.

What can I use instead of "minus than"?

Instead of "minus than", use the correct phrase "less than" to indicate that one value is smaller than another. For example, say "The temperature is less than zero degrees".