"less time" vs "shorter time"

Question

"less time" vs "shorter time"

Both 'less time' and 'shorter time' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Less time' is used when comparing the amount of time spent on an activity or task, while 'shorter time' is used when referring to the duration of an activity or task.

Last Updated: March 28, 2024

Use 'less time' when you want to indicate a smaller amount of time spent on an activity or task compared to another. It is often used in comparative sentences.

Examples:

I need less time to finish this project than you do.
She spends less time studying than her classmates.
We have less time to prepare for the presentation than we thought.
He has less time to complete the exam than he expected.
They spent less time on the assignment than we did.

Alternatives:

a shorter amount of time
a reduced amount of time
a smaller time frame
a diminished time period
a decreased duration

Use 'shorter time' when you want to specify the duration of an activity or task as being less than a previous or expected duration. It is often used to compare durations.

Examples:

She completed the race in a shorter time than last year.
We need to finish the project in a shorter time frame.
He spent a shorter time on the assignment than he had planned.
The meeting took a shorter time than we anticipated.
They arrived in a shorter time than we did.

Alternatives:

less duration
a reduced duration
a smaller time period
a diminished time frame
a decreased amount of time

Answer 1

less time

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when comparing the amount of time spent on an activity or task.

Answer 2

shorter time

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to the duration of an activity or task.

"less time" vs "shorter time"

less time

shorter time

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