those less fortunate than

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "those less fortunate than" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to people who have fewer advantages than others. For example, "We should always be thankful for what we have and remember those less fortunate than us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are here to represent something more vague: Africa, poverty and, as they might say at the royal Christmas lunch, "Those Less Fortunate Than Ourselves".

The Guardian - Opinion

Unlike many on Wall Street, he did not earn his fortune taking advantage of those less fortunate than him.

HuffPost

He was a kind and charitable man always reaching out to those less fortunate than he.

The New York Times

How did Rauschenberg demonstrate his concern for those less fortunate than himself?

The New York Times

PYRAMUS: I'm having a hard time thinking of those less fortunate than we are.

The New Yorker

Besides, libraries are good for children and those less fortunate than others.

The Guardian

She was a humanitarian who made it a passion to help those less fortunate than herself.

The Guardian

Those women continued, however, to be skinflints, and the men remained callously indifferent to those less fortunate than themselves.

The Economist

Crucially, we perpetuate the problem by believing we have no responsibilities to those less fortunate than us.

The Guardian - Opinion

Having survived the atrocities of the Holocaust, Imre had his mind and heart open to those less fortunate than himself.

The New York Times

They try to preserve the appearance that they really do care about those less fortunate than themselves.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "those less fortunate than" in contexts where empathy and a call to action (such as charity or support) are intended. It's effective for persuasive writing and public appeals.

Common error

Avoid using "those less fortunate than" as a sweeping generalization about entire groups of people. Acknowledge individual differences and specific circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "those less fortunate than" functions as a determiner phrase acting as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific group of people characterized by their relative disadvantage. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

27%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

4%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "those less fortunate than" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase for referring to individuals in disadvantaged circumstances. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and prevalence across various sources. It serves primarily to evoke empathy and promote social consciousness. While appropriate for various contexts, it's crucial to maintain sensitivity and avoid condescending implications. Consider alternatives like "the underprivileged" or "those in need" in more formal settings. By using "those less fortunate than" thoughtfully, you can effectively convey compassion and encourage support for those facing hardship.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the less fortunate

A shorter version with the same core meaning.

those less privileged than

Focuses on societal advantages rather than luck or circumstance.

those less well-off than

Specifically highlights financial or economic disadvantage.

those in need

A general term for individuals requiring assistance.

the underprivileged

A more concise term referring to those lacking basic opportunities and resources.

the disadvantaged

Emphasizes the obstacles and systemic barriers faced by certain individuals or groups.

the needy

Focuses on the state of requiring help due to a lack of essential resources.

the impoverished

Highlights the condition of being in a state of poverty.

those struggling

Highlights the effort and difficulty faced in overcoming hardship.

the vulnerable

Emphasizes susceptibility to harm or exploitation due to various factors.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "those less fortunate than" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "the underprivileged", "the disadvantaged", or "those in need" for a more sophisticated tone.

Is it ever inappropriate to use the phrase "those less fortunate than"?

While generally acceptable, avoid using "those less fortunate than" in contexts where it could be perceived as condescending or patronizing. Strive for respectful and empathetic language.

What's the difference between "those less fortunate than" and "those less privileged than"?

"Those less fortunate than" generally refers to circumstances or luck, while "those less privileged than" implies a lack of societal advantages or opportunities. The latter often suggests systemic inequalities.

How can I use "those less fortunate than" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a group of people who have fewer advantages than others. For example, "We should always strive to help "those less fortunate than" ourselves".