one less

USAGE SUMMARY

"one less" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is usually used when you are comparing two things, one of which is "one less" than the other. For example, "There are now twelve of us, one less than before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Especially on one less hour of sleep the night before.

Huffington Post

"One less fellow to beat".

The New York Times - Sports

One less positive note.

The Guardian

That's one less Gerhardt.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"One less thing" just sounds right.

Independent

(One less denunciatory speech might help).

The New York Times

"One less hassle," she said.

The New York Times

"Wife: One less than you think".

The New York Times - Sports

One less thing to think about.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It would mean one less problem.

The New York Times - Arts

Jose Mourinho now has one less headache.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using “one less”, ensure the context is clear and the item being reduced is easily understood. Avoid ambiguity by specifying what is being reduced if not immediately apparent.

Common error

Avoid using "one less" with uncountable nouns. For example, instead of saying "one less water", say "less water" or "one fewer bottle of water".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one less" primarily functions as a determiner phrase, specifically indicating a reduction in quantity or number. As demonstrated by Ludwig, this phrase effectively modifies a noun, signifying a decrease from a previous state. Examples include "one less problem" and "one less thing to worry about".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "one less" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to indicate a reduction in quantity or number. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability. It is most frequently found in news and media, serving to communicate relief, simplification, or reduced burden. When using "one less", ensure clarity by specifying the item being reduced and avoid using it with uncountable nouns. Mastering its usage enhances clarity and efficiency in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one fewer

Similar in meaning, but "fewer" is typically used with countable nouns.

one reduced

"Reduced" suggests an active process of making something smaller or less.

one taken away

Emphasizes the removal of something, leading to a reduction.

one diminished

"Diminished" implies a gradual reduction, often in quality or impact, not just quantity.

one subtracted

"Subtracted" is a more mathematical or formal way of saying "one less".

one dropped

Suggests something has been removed or eliminated from a group.

a smaller quantity

More general and less direct, referring to the overall amount.

a decreased amount

Similar to "a smaller quantity" but focuses on the act of decreasing.

one absent

Focuses on the missing element, highlighting its absence.

a lessened degree

Indicates a reduction in intensity or extent, rather than a numerical decrease.

FAQs

How can I use "one less" in a sentence?

The phrase "one less" is used to indicate a decrease in quantity. For example, "Now that John is gone, there is "one less" person in the office".

What phrases are similar to "one less"?

Similar phrases include "one fewer", "one diminished", or "a smaller quantity". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "one less"?

Yes, the phrase "one less" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

What's the difference between "one less" and "one fewer"?

"One less" is generally used with uncountable nouns, while "one fewer" is used with countable nouns. However, "one less" is often used colloquially even with countable nouns.