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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
Less often
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE 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
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Less often.
News & Media
Streets are repaved less often.
News & Media
Less often mentioned is money.
News & Media
Much, much less often.
News & Media
Moved less often?
News & Media
And it happens much less often.
News & Media
Garbage would be collected less often.
News & Media
Hallucinations are usually visual, less often auditory.
Encyclopedias
Her strengths are less often acknowledged.
News & Media
This might happen somewhat less often.
News & Media
Other phrases are heard far less often.
News & Media
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.
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.
Alternative expressions
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
not as frequently
Emphasizes the lack of frequency compared to a previous state.
more rarely
Highlights the unusual or infrequent nature of an event.
on fewer occasions
Focuses on the limited number of times something happens.
not so often
A slightly more informal way of expressing reduced frequency.
less habitually
Indicates a decrease in a habitual action or behavior.
to a lesser extent
Suggests a reduction in the degree or intensity of an action.
More alternative expressions(6)
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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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested