"less than" vs "way lower than"

Question

"less than" vs "way lower than"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Way lower than' is more informal and emphasizes a significant difference, while 'less than' is more formal and commonly used in academic or professional writing.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

Use 'less than' when you want to indicate a smaller quantity or level in a formal or academic context.

Examples:

The population of the town is less than 10,000.
Her salary is less than the industry average.
The project was completed in less than a week.
The weight of the package is less than 5 pounds.
The cost is less than what was budgeted.

Alternatives:

lower than
below
under

Use 'way lower than' when you want to emphasize a large difference in quantity or level in a casual or informal setting.

Examples:

The temperature in Alaska is way lower than in Hawaii.
His score was way lower than the average.
The price of this car is way lower than I expected.
Her energy level is way lower than usual.
The attendance at the event was way lower than anticipated.

Alternatives:

much lower than
significantly lower than
far lower than

Answer 1

less than

This phrase is correct and commonly used in formal contexts, especially in academic or professional writing, to indicate a smaller quantity or level.

Answer 2

way lower than

This phrase is correct and commonly used in informal contexts to emphasize a significant difference in quantity or level.

"less than" vs "way lower than"

less than

way lower than

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