significantly less frequent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "significantly less frequent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that occurs at a much lower rate compared to another reference point. Example: "The occurrence of this rare species is significantly less frequent than that of its more common relatives."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rotavirus infection was significantly less frequent in breast-fed than among bottle-fed babies.

Journal of Clinical Virology

This specific deletion was found significantly less frequent in all tissues in the treated group compared with the controls.

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

Preterm delivery at <34 weeks' gestation was significantly less frequent in the therapeutic cerclage group (1/10 vs 5/8).

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Although ozone levels in the region were almost similar between 2010 and 2012, symptoms were significantly less frequent in 2012.

Science of The Total Environment

Post-PDT, nonburied BE shows persistently elevated crypt proliferation, but significantly less frequent DNA content abnormalities, whereas buried BE shows decreased crypt proliferation and normal DNA content profile.

Harvard University

When the researchers looked at how often the horses chewed, they found the behaviour became significantly less frequent as the nosebands were tightened beyond conventional levels.

The Guardian

Secondary peristalsis was either absent or significantly less frequent in the elderly compared to the young, whereas primary peristalsis was similar across the groups.

Nature

Unknown and Rubella were significantly less frequent etiologies in the more recent studies, while genetic non-syndromic, asphyxia and prematurity were more common.

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology

The findings are: (i) forward chaining is significantly more predominant, and backward chaining is significantly less frequent, compared to other possibilities or arrow entering.

Procedia Computer Science

Social stress-coping behaviors such as 'journey'socializinging with friends', and 'talking something over' were significantly less frequent in bipolar patients than controls.

Psychiatry Research

After transplantation of ph505; UAS-RNAi-chinmo eye discs, tumours formed in only 16% of the hosts (n = 67), significantly less frequent than after transplantation of larval ph505 eye discs (79%, n = 74).

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing frequencies, specify the groups or conditions being compared to provide context and clarity. For example, instead of stating "X is significantly less frequent", clarify with "X is significantly less frequent in group A compared to group B".

Common error

Avoid using the phrase without specifying what the subject is less frequent than. This can lead to ambiguity. Always provide a clear point of comparison to ensure your statement is meaningful and easily understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significantly less frequent" functions as an adverbial modifier emphasizing a notable reduction in the occurrence rate. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used to highlight a statistically relevant difference in frequency, indicating that an event or condition happens considerably less often than a reference point. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various scientific and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

92%

Academia

6%

News & Media

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "significantly less frequent" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe something that occurs notably less often compared to a reference point. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for formal contexts, particularly in scientific and academic writing. The phrase is used to emphasize a substantial and statistically relevant reduction in frequency, highlighting key findings or comparisons. Usage patterns indicate that it's most frequent in scientific literature, with some presence in academic and news media sources. When using this phrase, ensure to provide a clear comparison point to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives such as "much less common" or "considerably rarer" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significantly decreased in frequency

Focuses on a notable reduction in how often something happens, maintaining a formal tone.

much less frequent

A simpler way to say something occurs less often.

considerably less common

Emphasizes the difference in prevalence, using 'considerably' to highlight the substantial gap.

markedly less prevalent

Highlights a noticeable reduction in prevalence, suitable for medical or scientific contexts.

noticeably rarer

Indicates a clear and observable decrease in frequency, suitable for general use.

substantially reduced incidence

Focuses on the rate of new occurrences being lower, ideal for discussing disease or events.

appreciably diminished occurrence

Stresses a measurable decline in how often something happens, fitting for formal reports.

distinctly infrequent

Highlights the scarcity or rareness of an event or item, emphasizing its uncommon nature.

appreciably less repeated

Highlights that something is less repeated, stressing a measurable decline in repetition or recurrence.

statistically insignificant frequency

Indicates frequency is not statistically relevant.

FAQs

How can I use "significantly less frequent" in a sentence?

Use "significantly less frequent" to indicate that something occurs notably less often compared to something else. For example, "Side effects were "significantly less frequent" with the new medication compared to the old one".

What are some alternatives to "significantly less frequent"?

You can use alternatives such as "much less common", "considerably rarer", or "substantially reduced incidence depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "significantly less frequent" in formal writing?

Yes, "significantly less frequent" is suitable for formal writing, especially in scientific and academic contexts, as it indicates a statistically meaningful difference in occurrence.

What's the difference between "significantly less frequent" and "less frequent"?

"Less frequent" simply means something occurs fewer times. "Significantly less frequent" implies that the difference in frequency is statistically significant and not due to random chance, indicating a more meaningful distinction. You can use alternatives like "much less frequent".