worth less than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "worth less than" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase to compare the relative value of two things. For example: "This old car is worth less than the price I paid for it ten years ago."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is now worth less than £15m.

The Guardian - Money

"It's worth less than a picture frame".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The shares are now worth less than at issue.

The Economist

The aid is worth less than 1% of GDP.

The Economist

Now it is worth less than a dollar.

The Economist

It is worth less than 1% of GDP.

The Economist

The shares are now worth less than half that valuation.

The New York Times

The company is now worth less than $3bn.

The Guardian - Tech

By underwater, he meant: worth less than the mortgage.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now the stock is worth less than half as much.

The New York Times

Now the deal is worth less than $30 billion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "worth less than", ensure you clearly define what you are comparing. For example, specify the units of value (dollars, effort, time) and the items being compared.

Common error

Avoid vague comparisons. Instead of saying "This is worth less than you think", specify what it is being compared to: "This investment is "worth less than" the initial projections indicated".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worth less than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to indicate that one item has a lower value or significance compared to another. Ludwig's examples clearly show its role in expressing relative value.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "worth less than" is a versatile comparative tool, predominantly employed to express differences in value, importance, or significance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability, particularly in News & Media. While interchangeable with alternatives like "not as valuable as", clarity in defining the comparison remains crucial. Remember to clearly state both items you are comparing, lest you create vagueness! Given its frequent usage and clear purpose, "worth less than" is a reliable and effective choice for comparative statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as valuable as

A straightforward comparison of value.

of diminished value compared to

Emphasizes the reduction in value relative to another item.

valued below

Focuses on the assigned value being lower.

inferior in value to

Highlights a difference in value, positioning one item as subordinate.

cheaper than

Implies a lower monetary cost.

doesn't measure up to

Indicates a failure to meet a certain standard or expectation in value.

not even close to

Highlights a vast difference in value or quality.

of less significance than

Shifts the comparison from monetary value to importance.

holds less importance than

Emphasizes reduced relevance or consequence.

not comparable to

Suggests a significant disparity that makes direct comparison difficult.

FAQs

How do I use "worth less than" in a sentence?

Use "worth less than" to compare the value of two or more items, indicating one has a lower value. For example, "This car is "worth less than" it was five years ago".

What are some alternatives to saying "worth less than"?

Alternatives include "not as valuable as", "inferior in value to", or "valued below". Depending on the context, you might also use "cheaper than" or "of less significance than".

Is it correct to say "less valuable than" instead of "worth less than"?

Yes, "less valuable than" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning to "worth less than". The choice often depends on stylistic preference and the specific context.

What's the difference between "worth less than" and "not worth as much as"?

"Worth less than" and "not worth as much as" are largely interchangeable. "Not worth as much as" is slightly more verbose but carries the same comparative meaning. The example "This house is "worth less than" the mortgage" /s/vs/This+house+is+not+worth+as+much+as+the+mortgage. Compare "This house is worth less than the mortgage" vs "This house is not worth as much as the mortgage".