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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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Less often

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'less often' is correct and usable in written English
It can be used to indicate a smaller frequency of occurrence than usual, for example, "I go to the gym less often now than I used to."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Less often.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Streets are repaved less often.

News & Media

The New York Times

Less often mentioned is money.

Much, much less often.

News & Media

The Guardian

Moved less often?

And it happens much less often.

News & Media

The New York Times

Garbage would be collected less often.

News & Media

The New York Times

Hallucinations are usually visual, less often auditory.

Encyclopedias

Britannica

Her strengths are less often acknowledged.

News & Media

The New Yorker

This might happen somewhat less often.

News & Media

The Economist

Other phrases are heard far less often.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

✓ Best practice

Use "less often" to clearly indicate a reduction in the frequency of an action or event. Ensure the context provides a clear comparison point, either explicit or implicit, to what is considered 'often'.

⚠ Common error

Avoid using "less often" when you mean "not at all" or "never". "Less often" implies a decrease, not a complete cessation. For absolute absence, use "never" or rephrase the sentence to indicate non-occurrence.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less often" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the degree to which an action or event occurs. Ludwig provides examples showing its use to describe reduced frequency in various situations. According to Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

✓ Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

23%

Science

20%

⚠ Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less often" is a grammatically sound and versatile adverbial phrase used to denote a reduction in frequency. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It's commonly found in news, scientific, and general writing, maintaining a neutral tone suitable for various registers. When using "less often", ensure a clear point of comparison is established to effectively convey the decreased occurrence. Consider alternatives like "not as frequently" or "more rarely" for nuanced expression. By understanding its comparative nature and avoiding overgeneralization, writers can utilize "less often" to enhance clarity and precision in their communication.

FAQs

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

You can use "less often" to indicate a decreased frequency of an action or event, such as "I visit my parents "less often" since I moved to a different city".

What are some alternatives to saying "less often"?

Alternatives to "less often" include phrases like "not as frequently", "more rarely", or "on fewer occasions" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less often"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Less" is used as a comparative adverb to modify "often", indicating a lower frequency.

What's the difference between "less often" and "not often"?

"Less often" implies a comparison to a previous frequency, whereas "not often" simply indicates that something does not happen frequently without necessarily comparing it to a prior state. For example, "I go to the cinema "less often" now than I used to" versus "I do "not often" go to the cinema".

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Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: