much below

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "much below" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a level or amount that is significantly lower than a reference point. Example: "The temperature today is much below the average for this time of year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most of this region experienced much below normal snow.

The Washington Post

This leads you to bid much below your initial estimate.

Yale University

But neither story line digs much below the surface of any of these themes.

The New York Times

They die at temperatures much below fifteen degrees Fahrenheit or warmer than fifty degrees.

The New Yorker

But unemployment in Texas is still 8.2% – not much below the US average.

The Guardian

Once the vaccine rate falls much below ninety per cent, however, herd immunity disappears.

The New Yorker

Operating margins at the chicken segment came in at 1.2percentt, much below analysts' forecasts.

The New York Times

The ratios in Chile (12.3%) and Thailand (12.2%) are not much below Japan's 16.9%.

The Economist

During the Carter administration, cross-party ratings were not much below 50 — just slightly cool.

The New York Times

Their language skills, academic skills and professional skills are much below average".

The New York Times

"These distressed properties fetches prices that are much below its market value".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "much below" to clearly indicate a value or quantity that is significantly less than a specific reference point, ensuring clarity and precision in your writing. For a formal tone, use it with measurable quantities or data.

Common error

Avoid using "much below" in casual conversations or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "way lower" or "significantly less" might be more appropriate. This helps maintain an appropriate tone for the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "much below" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifically intensifying the degree to which something is below a certain point. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "much below" is a grammatically sound and versatile adverbial modifier used to emphasize that something is significantly less than a specific value or standard. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is widely used and correct. Predominantly found in news, science and encyclopedia articles, it maintains a neutral to formal tone suitable for professional communication. When writing, use "much below" to provide precision and clarity, especially when describing quantifiable differences. Avoid overuse in informal settings where simpler alternatives would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substantially lower than

Stresses the importance or impact of the lower quantity or level.

significantly lower than

Emphasizes the extent of difference, focusing on statistical relevance.

considerably less than

Highlights the amount of reduction or deficit compared to a reference point.

markedly less than

Focuses on the noticeable distinction between two quantities or levels.

appreciably below

Highlights that the difference is easily perceived or recognized.

far beneath

Implies a large difference in a figurative or literal sense of depth or level.

well under

Indicates a position comfortably below a specified threshold or limit.

noticeably under

Suggests the difference is clear and easy to observe.

a good deal lower than

Indicates a substantial difference, often in informal contexts.

somewhat beneath

Suggests the difference is only moderate.

FAQs

How can I use "much below" in a sentence?

You can use "much below" to describe something that is significantly less than a certain value, for example: "The actual costs were "much below" the initial estimate."

What are some alternatives to "much below"?

Alternatives include "significantly lower than", "considerably less than", or "far beneath" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "much below" and "slightly below"?

"Much below" indicates a substantial difference, while "slightly below" suggests only a small difference. The choice depends on the magnitude of the difference you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "much below" in writing?

It is suitable for formal writing, reports, or when precision is important, to highlight that a value is considerably less than a given reference point.