not much less

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'not much less' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to convey the idea that something is only slightly less than something else. For example: We managed to finish the project in two days, not much less than the timeline we had originally planned.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We could care less, but not much less.

The New Yorker

Southern species were not much less cold hardy than northern species.

Cornell University

Mr Jain is not much less foreign to the bank's culture than Mr Clooney himself.

The Economist

Their desire is not much less than that of the 60+ year-olds.

The Guardian - Tech

A similar dinner at Eleven Madison Park, at about nine hundred dollars, is not much less.

The New Yorker

It weighed 1.5-pounds, not much less than the 11-inch Macbook Air.

The New York Times

Not much less obviously, "rendition" can also refer to a musical performance.

The New York Times - Books

Last year it grew by 2.9%, not much less than Germany (3.1%) or France (3.2%).

The Economist

You will need jam too, not much, less than half a jar of apricot.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

His support among voters over all was not much less than that.

The New York Times

Mr. Sisulu's political career was less celebrated than Mr. Mandela's but not much less remarkable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not much less" to highlight that a difference exists, but it is relatively small or insignificant. This is particularly useful when comparing data or quantities where precision is important.

Common error

Avoid using "not much less" when the difference is actually substantial. Ensure the context supports the claim that the reduction is minimal to maintain accuracy and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not much less" functions as a qualifier, specifically an adverbial phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates that a quantity or degree is only slightly smaller than something else. The examples show it modifying adjectives or nouns to express proximity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not much less" is a versatile qualifier used to indicate a small difference between two quantities or degrees. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various contexts. Primarily found in News & Media, with notable appearances in Academia and Encyclopedias, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure that the difference you are describing is genuinely minimal to maintain accuracy. Consider alternatives like "only slightly less" or "nearly as much" to refine your intended meaning. Remember, overstating the similarity can undermine your credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only slightly less

Emphasizes a marginal difference, focusing on the small extent of the reduction.

just a bit less

Indicates a minimal decrease, highlighting the insignificance of the difference.

hardly any less

Stresses that the reduction is barely noticeable, almost negligible.

nearly as much

Focuses on the proximity to the original amount, suggesting the decrease is small.

almost the same

Highlights the similarity, implying the difference is minimal and potentially inconsequential.

very close to

Implies the two quantities are near each other, differing only by a small amount.

not significantly less

Formally states that the difference is not large enough to be considered important.

a shade less

Suggests a barely perceptible reduction, often used in informal contexts.

a touch less

Indicates a very small degree of reduction, similar to "a shade less".

marginally less

Highlights that the reduction is so small it is on the margin.

FAQs

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

Use "not much less" to indicate something is only slightly smaller or lower than another. For instance, "The second estimate was $9,000—"not much less" than my parents paid to send me to college."

What's a good alternative to "not much less"?

Alternatives include "only slightly less", "just a bit less", or "nearly as much", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "not much less" formal or informal?

"Not much less" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile phrase. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and tone.

When should I avoid using "not much less"?

Avoid using "not much less" if the difference is significant or if a more precise comparison is required. In such cases, using specific numbers or a more descriptive phrase would be more appropriate.