"Less" vs "They are less than two"

Question

"Less" vs "They are less than two"

The phrases are not directly comparable as they serve different purposes. 'They are less than two' is a complete sentence comparing a group to a specific number, while 'less' is a comparative adjective used to indicate a smaller amount or degree. Therefore, they are not interchangeable.

Last Updated: March 08, 2024

The word 'less' is used to compare two quantities, indicating that one is smaller than the other. It is often followed by 'than' to complete the comparison.

Examples:

She has less money than he does.
I need less sugar in my coffee.
There are less people at the party than expected.
He has less experience in this field.
Less talking, more action.

This phrase is used to compare a group of items, people, or things to a specific number, stating that the group has a smaller quantity than the number mentioned.

Examples:

They are less than two hours away.
They are less than two feet tall.
They are less than two years old.
They are less than two dollars each.
They are less than two cups of sugar.

Answer 1

Less

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English as a comparative adjective to indicate a smaller amount or degree.

Answer 2

They are less than two

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to compare a group to a specific number, indicating that the group has a smaller quantity.

"Less" vs "They are less than two"

Less

They are less than two

Related Comparisons