that much less

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that much less" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a significant reduction or decrease in comparison to something else. Example: "If we reduce the budget by 20%, the project will be that much less effective."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most evidence suggests that schools, and other institutions, which get bigger are that much less flexible, that much less human.

The Guardian - Opinion

It makes it that much less likely that governments will even try.

The Economist

But the luxurious execution makes the jokes that much less funny.

Independent

"It's such a sad statement and it makes the city that much less livable for everyone".

The New York Times

At the end of the day, however, southern Europeans don't take home that much less than their Northern neighbors.

Forbes

It made the mistakes that much less brilliant shows make.

Huffington Post

Each death makes the expanded mission there that much less likely to succeed.

HuffPost

anyone smart gets a little nervous and its that much less fun for them.

WikiHow

I had no way of knowing if he really believed that, much less if it was true.

The New Yorker

We just have that much less revenue".

The New York Times - Food

"It was becoming that much less personal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that much less" to clearly indicate a consequential reduction or decrease, especially when comparing two scenarios or options. This phrase effectively highlights the impact of the reduction.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid relying too heavily on "that much less" in extremely informal conversations. Simpler phrases like "less" or "not as much" might sound more natural and less verbose in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that much less" functions as an adverbial modifier, typically quantifying the degree to which something is reduced or diminished. Ludwig examples show it is frequently used to compare relative states or outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that much less" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate a notable reduction or decrease. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is acceptable in a wide range of contexts, particularly in news and media. To enhance writing, consider using synonyms like "significantly less" or "considerably less" for variety. The key is to ensure the phrase accurately conveys the intended degree of reduction. While versatile, avoid overuse in extremely informal settings for a more natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significantly less

Emphasizes the notable degree of reduction.

considerably less

Highlights a substantial decrease.

appreciably less

Implies a noticeable or measurable reduction.

substantially less

Indicates a significant amount reduced.

markedly less

Stresses the distinctiveness of the reduction.

noticeably less

Highlights the ease with which the reduction can be observed.

measurably less

Focuses on the quantifiable aspect of the reduction.

perceptibly less

Indicates a reduction that can be sensed or perceived.

somewhat less

Suggests a slight or moderate reduction.

a bit less

Implies a small or marginal reduction.

FAQs

How can I use "that much less" in a sentence?

Use "that much less" to show a significant decrease or reduction in comparison to something else. For example, "If we reduce the budget by 20%, the project will be "that much less" effective."

What are some alternatives to "that much less"?

You can use alternatives such as "significantly less", "considerably less", or "substantially less" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "that much less" grammatically correct?

Yes, "that much less" is grammatically correct and widely used in both formal and informal writing. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability.

What's the difference between "that much less" and "less"?

"That much less" emphasizes a more significant reduction than simply using "less". It is used when the degree of reduction is noteworthy or consequential.