the less of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the less of" is correct and usable in written English, although its usage is somewhat specific.
It can be used to refer to a comparison of two items or concepts in terms of how much of one item there is when compared to the other. For example, "The less of the two options, the better."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The less of your life online, the better!

The New York Times

The better you get at managing time, the less of it you feel that you have.

The Guardian - Tech

And the more I learnt about the race, the less of a joke it seemed.

The Guardian - Travel

The longer the sentence, the less of the man's face you could see.

The New Yorker

"But the more involved you get, the less of an issue it is".

The New York Times - Arts

The more of a high-scoring series this becomes, the less of a chance they have.

The New York Times

The more I see of this exclusive! footage!, the less of it I want.

The New Yorker

The less of an issue it is, the better it is for the child and parent.

The New York Times

The less of it you have to carry, the cheaper space travel becomes.

The Guardian

The more 'news factoids' you digest, the less of the big picture you will understand".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He pauses and adds: "I think it's time for the less-of-a-dick Sherlock".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the less of" when comparing two or more things and indicating that a smaller quantity or degree leads to a particular outcome or consequence. For example, "The less of a burden on the injured ones, the more fit players there are."

Common error

Avoid using "the less of" when you simply mean "less". "The less of" is typically used in comparative sentences, so using just "less" is often more direct and grammatically sound in other situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the less of" primarily functions as a comparative quantifier, indicating a smaller amount or degree in relation to something else. It typically introduces a clause expressing a consequential relationship, meaning that the smaller quantity leads to a particular outcome. Ludwig examples validate its comparative usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

10%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the less of" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a proportional or comparative relationship, where a smaller quantity or degree influences an outcome. Ludwig AI identifies it as correct and commonly used. It frequently appears in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, and its use spans from casual advice to formal argumentation. While versatile, remember to wield it with precision, avoiding redundancy and non-comparative contexts for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the smaller amount of

Focuses on the quantity being reduced.

a reduced quantity of

Highlights the resulting reduction in quantity.

a lower proportion of

Emphasizes the proportional decrease.

a diminished amount of

Suggests a weaker or lessened quantity.

a decreased level of

Focuses on reducing something gradually.

the reduced incidence of

Refers to decreasing occurrences or instances.

the declining rate of

Implies a progressive decrease over time.

the lessened impact of

Stresses the reduction in effect or influence.

a mitigated degree of

Emphasizes the lessening of severity or intensity.

a curtailed portion of

Suggests a restriction or limitation in quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "the less of" in a sentence?

Use "the less of" when comparing quantities or degrees, indicating a proportional relationship. For example, "The less of your life online, the better!" or "The more you contribute to the IRA, "the less of" your income is subject to taxes, for those that qualify."

What are some alternatives to "the less of"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include phrases like "the smaller amount of", "a reduced quantity of", or "a lower proportion of".

Is it ever incorrect to use "the less of"?

While grammatically correct, using "the less of" can sound awkward or overly formal in some contexts. If you can convey the same meaning more directly with "less", it's often preferable. For example, instead of "The less of it I want", consider "I want less of it".

When is "the less of" most appropriate to use?

"The less of" is most appropriate in comparative constructions, particularly when emphasizing a consequential relationship. For instance, "The more economic opportunity and growth inside of Mexico, "the less of" an incentive to enter our country illegally."