less / the least
less / the least means “less/the least: the downward versions of more/the most”. Less . Formation: less + ADJ + than · the least + ADJ
less/the least: the downward versions of more/the most
A2Formation
less + ADJ + than · the least + ADJ
Explanation
Less ... than compares downward: This shirt is less expensive than that one (= cheaper). The least ... marks the bottom of a group: I chose the least expensive hotel. They work with any adjective or adverb, but in everyday speech not as ... as often sounds more natural: less expensive ≈ not as expensive as.
Examples
Note
With nouns: less + uncountable (less water), fewer + plural (fewer cars). less cars is common in speech but careful English prefers fewer.
FAQ
less / the least — what does it mean and how is it used?
less/the least: the downward versions of more/the most. Less ... than compares downward: This shirt is less expensive than that one (= cheaper). The least ... marks the bottom of a group: I chose the least expensive hotel. They work with any adjective or adverb, but in everyday speech not as ... as often sounds more natural: less expensive ≈ not as expensive as.
less / the least — how do you form it?
less + ADJ + than · the least + ADJ
less / the least — any usage notes?
With nouns: less + uncountable (less water), fewer + plural (fewer cars). less cars is common in speech but careful English prefers fewer.