not as much

USAGE SUMMARY

"not as much" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing two amounts, such as in this example sentence: "He spent not as much money on groceries this week than he did last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Probably not as much".

The New York Times

(Well, not as much).

The New York Times - Tech

Maybe not as much.

The New York Times

Not as much as she would like.

The Economist

But not as much as in ""Carmen".

The New York Times

Not as much as new players will.

Independent

Probably not as much as we should".

The New York Times

Not as much as one would hope.

The New York Times

But not as much as before.

The New York Times

Not as much as I was.

The New York Times

Not as much as you might think.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not as much" to make comparisons between two quantifiable or measurable things, ensuring clarity by stating what is being compared, such as "He earns not as much as his brother".

Common error

Avoid using "not as much" without specifying what you are comparing, which can lead to ambiguity. Instead of saying "I don't like it not as much", clarify by stating, "I don't like it as much as I used to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not as much" functions as a degree modifier, indicating a lesser quantity or intensity of something compared to something else. Ludwig AI validates this usage through numerous examples, showing how it modifies verbs, nouns, or adjectives to express a comparative reduction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

4%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not as much" is a versatile and commonly used degree modifier that effectively conveys a reduced quantity, degree, or extent. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in news and media. To use it effectively, ensure you specify what is being compared to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "less than" or "to a lesser extent" can offer similar meanings depending on the desired nuance. By following these guidelines, you can confidently incorporate "not as much" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not so much

A slightly more emphatic way of expressing a reduced quantity or degree.

not nearly as much

Stresses a considerable difference in quantity or degree.

not to the same degree

Indicates a difference in intensity or level compared to something else.

not to that extent

Indicates a limitation or reduction in the scope or range.

to a lesser extent

Emphasizes a reduced degree or scope of something.

not as significantly

Emphasizes a smaller impact or importance.

to a smaller degree

Highlights the diminished level or intensity of something.

less than

Directly indicates a smaller quantity or amount.

to a reduced amount

Focuses on the decreased quantity or measure.

a smaller quantity of

Highlights that the quantity is less compared to something else.

FAQs

How can I use "not as much" in a sentence?

Use "not as much" to indicate a smaller quantity, degree, or extent of something compared to something else. For instance, "I exercise "not as much" as I should" or "She doesn't earn "not as much" as her colleague".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "not as much"?

Alternatives include phrases like "less than", "to a lesser extent", or "not so much". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify what is being compared when using "not as much"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the comparison often enhances clarity. For example, saying "I travel "not as much"" is less informative than saying "I travel "not as much" as I did last year".

What's the difference between "not as much" and "not so much"?

Both phrases indicate a reduced quantity or degree, but "not so much" can sometimes imply a stronger negation or disinterest. "I don't care for it "not as much"" suggests a reduced preference, while "I don't care for it "not so much"" might suggest a stronger dislike.