with less

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with less" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a reduction in quantity, degree, or intensity of something. Example: "She was able to achieve her goals with less effort than she expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With less dramatic music.

The Guardian

With less trash, landfills closed.

The New York Times - Science

With less than 15 seconds?

The New York Times

You do less with less".

The New Yorker

Violinists view them with less rapture.

The New York Times - Science

We were doing more with less.

The New York Times

Those with less money hitchhiked, or walked.

The New York Times

Others are left with less visible wounds.

Independent

In private, Thaci spoke with less bravado.

The New Yorker

Moore succeeds with less odd things, too.

The New Yorker

In the Opinion piece "Living With Less.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for conciseness, consider using "with less" to streamline sentences and convey a reduction in quantity or degree effectively. For example, "Achieve more with less effort."

Common error

Avoid using "with less" when you mean "fewer" for countable nouns. "Less" is generally used for uncountable nouns. For example, it's correct to say "with less water" but incorrect to say "with less cars"; instead, use "with fewer cars".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with less" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun. It indicates a reduction, decrease, or deficiency in the amount, degree, or intensity of something. As seen in Ludwig, the phrase often adds detail about how an action is performed or a state is achieved.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "with less" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate a reduction or deficiency in quantity, degree, or intensity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability, showcasing its use in diverse contexts from News & Media to Wiki entries. While it's generally acceptable, remember to use "fewer" instead of "less" when referring to countable nouns. The phrase enjoys frequent usage in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, solidifying its position as a reliable component of the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

using fewer

Emphasizes the act of utilizing a smaller quantity.

with reduced

Highlights the state of being diminished or lessened.

in smaller amounts

Focuses on the diminished quantity involved.

to a lesser extent

Indicates a decrease in degree or intensity.

lacking in

Stresses the absence or shortage of something.

with a scarcity of

Highlights the limited availability of something.

with minimal

Emphasizes the extremely small amount or degree.

with a deficit of

Focuses on a lack or shortage, often in a formal context.

with a reduced amount of

A more descriptive way of indicating a smaller quantity.

with a lower level of

Indicates a decrease in the intensity or degree of something.

FAQs

How can I use "with less" in a sentence?

Use "with less" to indicate a reduction in the quantity, degree, or intensity of something. For example, "The project was completed "with less" funding than anticipated."

What are some alternatives to using "with less"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "using fewer", "with reduced", or "in smaller amounts".

Is it correct to use "less" with countable nouns?

Generally, "less" should be used with uncountable nouns. For countable nouns, it's more appropriate to use "fewer". For example, use "fewer errors" instead of "less errors".

What's the difference between "with less" and "with fewer"?

"With less" is used for uncountable nouns (e.g., "with less water"), while "with fewer" is used for countable nouns (e.g., "with fewer resources"). Choosing the right term ensures grammatical correctness and clarity.