think less of

USAGE SUMMARY

'think less of' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
'Think less of' is usually used to express disapproval or disappointment in someone or something, for example: "I used to think highly of him, but after hearing this news I think less of him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Did she think less of him?

The New Yorker

No one will think less of you".

The New Yorker

He thought we'd think less of him.

The New Yorker

Which makes you think less of Heywood.

The Guardian

Worse, would he think less of me?

The New York Times - Travel

Will she think less of me for doing so?

The New York Times

If you tip badly, people think less of you.

The Economist

Does that make me think less of him?

The New Yorker

No one will think less of them for that.

The Guardian

"I thought they would think less of me".

The New York Times

According to one poll, Americans think less of the Fed than of the Internal Revenue Service.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "think less of", ensure the context clearly indicates what action or attribute is causing the diminished opinion. Clarity is key to effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "think less of" for minor, inconsequential matters. This phrase implies a significant reduction in respect or admiration, so reserve it for situations where a person's actions genuinely warrant a lower opinion. Otherwise, you risk sounding overly critical or petty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "think less of" functions as a phrasal verb expressing a decrease in one's positive opinion or regard for someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "think less of" is a common phrasal verb used to express a diminished opinion or regard for someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used, particularly in News & Media contexts. When writing, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey; alternatives like "lose respect for" or "be disappointed in" might be more fitting depending on the situation. Remember to reserve "think less of" for significant reductions in respect to avoid sounding overly critical.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a lower opinion of

Changes the verb from "think" to "have an opinion", which is structurally different but maintains the negative connotation.

lose respect for

Focuses on the loss of respect, implying a previously higher regard that has diminished.

think poorly of

Replaces "less of" with "poorly of", offering a more direct negative assessment.

take a dim view of

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey disapproval, shifting from direct evaluation to a viewpoint.

regard with less esteem

Emphasizes a reduction in esteem or positive regard.

look down on

Conveys a sense of superiority and diminished respect, implying a hierarchical view.

disapprove of

Directly expresses disapproval, which is a key component of "think less of".

devalue in one's mind

Highlights the act of reducing value or importance in one's personal judgment.

hold in lower regard

Rephrases the idea of thinking less as holding someone in lower regard, emphasizing emotional distance.

be disappointed in

Focuses on the disappointment felt towards someone or something, which can lead to thinking less of them.

FAQs

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

You can use "think less of" to express a diminished opinion of someone or something. For example, "I used to admire his honesty, but after this scandal, I "think less of" him".

What's the difference between "think less of" and "disapprove of"?

"Think less of" implies a reduction in overall respect or admiration, while "disapprove of" focuses on disagreement with a specific action or belief. "I "think less of" him" suggests a general lowering of opinion, while "I disapprove of his decision" targets a particular choice.

Are there situations where it's better to use a different phrase than "think less of"?

Yes, depending on the context. If you want to emphasize disappointment, use "be disappointed in". If you want to highlight a loss of respect, consider "lose respect for". The best phrase depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "think less of" considered formal or informal?

"Think less of" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, consider using more nuanced alternatives such as "hold in lower regard".