much less time

USAGE SUMMARY

"much less time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a period of time that is significantly shorter than a comparison you have made. For example, "We finished our project in much less time than we anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have much less time for solitude.

The New York Times

You have much less time for reading".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Over all, Americans are spending much less time married.

The New York Times

It turns out that they spend much less time studying than those elsewhere in Europe.

The Economist

Ultimately, he would most likely serve much less time than that.

The New York Times

But they generally give much less time to take cover than in Mexico.

The Economist

With those costs down, it now takes much less time to pay off the investment.

The New York Times

And now it takes much less time to take them down.

The New York Times - Sports

You feel Keatley today would make her points in much less time.

The Guardian

Now I had much less time and I began to write reams of stuff.

The New York Times - Books

Raising agents provided a greater leavening power than yeast with much less time and effort.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing processes, clearly state what the "much less time" is relative to for clarity. For example: "Using the new software, report generation takes "much less time" than before."

Common error

Avoid using "much less time" without specifying what it is being compared to. Ensure the context provides a clear reference point; otherwise, the statement lacks impact and meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "much less time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to indicate a shorter duration or reduced timeframe. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in comparative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "much less time" is a versatile and commonly used comparative phrase that emphasizes a reduction in duration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, including News & Media and Science. When employing this phrase, remember to specify the basis of comparison for enhanced clarity. Alternatives like "considerably shorter time" and "significantly less time" offer similar meanings. Overall, "much less time" is an effective tool for highlighting efficiency and improvements in time management. Always provide a clear reference point for comparison.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significantly less time

Highlights the importance of the reduced duration.

considerably shorter time

Emphasizes the significant reduction in time.

markedly reduced time

Focuses on the noticeable decrease in time required.

a fraction of the time

Implies a very small proportion of the original time.

a shorter duration

A more general term for a shorter period.

reduced time commitment

Specifically refers to a decrease in the time needed for a task or project.

accelerated timeframe

Implies a faster pace and shorter overall time.

compressed timeline

Suggests that the schedule has been condensed to save time.

quicker turnaround

Focuses on the speed of completion and return.

more rapidly

Emphasizes speed and efficiency.

FAQs

How can I use "much less time" in a sentence?

Use "much less time" to compare the duration of an activity or process to another, indicating a significant reduction in time. For example, "The new method requires "far less time" than the old one."

What phrases are similar to "much less time"?

Similar phrases include "significantly less time", "considerably shorter time", or "markedly reduced time", all indicating a reduction in duration.

Is it better to say "much less time" or "far less time"?

Both "much less time" and "far less time" are acceptable and convey a similar meaning. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific context. There's no significant difference in their effectiveness.

Can I use "much less time" in formal writing?

Yes, "much less time" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, consider using more precise language (e.g., "reduced by 50%") if the context requires a higher degree of specificity or if you want to sound more professional.