really less than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "really less than" is not standard in written English and may sound awkward or unclear.
It can be used when trying to emphasize that something is significantly lower in quantity or degree than another, but it is better to use more conventional expressions. Example: "The budget for this project is really less than what we expected."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Is it really less than 50 days until we open against France?

The New York Times

Are the Iowa presidential caucuses really less than a year away?

The New York Times

Is it really less than five months since Interstellar (Warner, 12A) opened in theatres?

The Guardian - Film

And when you're old you are never really less than your age and that's an abominable thing.

The Guardian - Arts

"It's something to ponder in a business where success is measured in milliseconds, really less than the blink of an eye".

The New York Times

More calls came in, through the night, from television programs that had once seemed to occur in inaccessible lands but that turned out to be really less than thirty minutes away; they would send a car service.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The NRA is certainly less of an evil than slavery, but is it really less ugly than McCarthyism?

Huffington Post

Are Danish graduates really less skilled than American ones?

The Economist

National Men's Health Week runs from 15-21 June Are men really less likely than women to visit the doctor?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Even if a few became a bit aggressive, it was really less aggressive than the masses of drunks I have to cope with every weekend in the area," she said.

The Guardian

AFTER the hue and cry following Paula Deen's announcement that she has Type 2 diabetes and would become a paid spokeswoman for a drug company, a question nags: Is the food that emerges from her kitchen really less healthy than the cuisine from other restaurants?

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing quantities or qualities, opt for stronger, more precise wording like "significantly smaller than" or "considerably less than" to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "really less than" in formal academic or professional writing. While grammatically sound, it can sound informal or imprecise. Use more polished alternatives to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "really less than" functions as a comparative modifier, emphasizing that something is to a notably smaller extent or degree. While grammatically sound, Ludwig suggests that stronger alternatives may offer greater clarity and impact.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "really less than" serves to emphasize a comparison indicating that something is smaller or of a lower degree. Although grammatically acceptable, as noted by Ludwig, it can sound informal. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, but stronger, more precise alternatives are recommended for formal or scientific writing. The key takeaway is to consider the context and choose the phrasing that best conveys the intended degree of comparison with clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significantly smaller than

Emphasizes a considerable difference in size or amount, making the comparison more pronounced.

considerably smaller than

Highlights the notable disparity in size, stressing that the difference is substantial.

substantially less than

Indicates that the quantity or degree is notably lower, reinforcing the significance of the reduction.

appreciably smaller than

Highlights that the difference is noticeable and worth considering.

markedly less than

Stresses that there is a distinct and easily observable difference.

noticeably smaller than

Focuses on the ease with which the difference can be observed or recognized.

measurably less than

Highlights that the difference can be quantified, emphasizing its factual basis.

substantially inferior to

Focuses on a difference in quality or status, indicating lower standing or performance.

decidedly less than

Stresses the certainty and clarity of the difference, leaving no room for doubt.

distinctly smaller than

Highlights a clear and easily perceived difference in size or quantity.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "really less than"?

You can use alternatives such as "significantly smaller than", "considerably smaller than", or "substantially less than" to convey a clearer comparison.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "really less than"?

The phrase "really less than" is suitable for informal contexts. In professional or academic settings, it is better to opt for alternatives like "significantly less than" or "markedly less than".

Is "really less than" grammatically correct?

Yes, "really less than" is grammatically correct, but it may not be the most effective choice in formal writing. Consider using more precise language such as "appreciably smaller than" for greater clarity.

How can I make my comparisons more impactful than using "really less than"?

To create more impactful comparisons, use phrases like "distinctly smaller than" or "measurably less than". These alternatives emphasize the degree of difference more effectively.