Learn how to use the comparative “less frequent” and superlative “least frequent” with example sentences and differences.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Comparative adjectives help us to describe how good or bad something is when compared to something else. For example, something is taller than something else. Superlative adjectives help us to describe something as having the most or least of a particular characteristic within a group. This makes it easier and more accurate to talk about and compare things.

What is the comparative form of “nonfrequent”?

The comparative form of “nonfrequent” is “less frequent”.

Example

I have been receiving less frequent updates from him lately.

Example

Her visits to the gym have become less frequent.

What is the superlative form of “nonfrequent”?

The superlative form of “nonfrequent” is “least frequent”.

Example

Out of all the participants, she had the least frequent attendance.

Example

His contributions to the project were the least frequent.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

"Most" and "more" are not used with "nonfrequent," "less frequent," and "least frequent." Instead, "less frequent" and "least frequent" are the appropriate comparatives and superlatives for "nonfrequent." Using "most nonfrequent" or "more nonfrequent" would be grammatically incorrect.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

"Nonfrequent" does not follow a regular pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. Instead, it uses the words "less frequent" for the comparative form and "least frequent" for the superlative form.

Expressions with similar meanings to “less frequent”

Used to describe something that happens or appears infrequently.

Example

It is a rare occurrence for him to miss a deadline.

Used to indicate that something does not happen often or at regular intervals.

Example

His visits to the office have become infrequent since he started working remotely.

Used to describe something that happens from time to time, but not regularly.

Example

He makes occasional trips to the city for business meetings.

Expressions with similar meanings to “least frequent”

Used to describe something that is in the shortest supply or occurs the least frequently.

Example

Water is the scarcest resource in the desert.

Used to indicate that something happens or appears less often than anything else.

Example

Her visits to the doctor are the most infrequent among all the patients.

Used to describe something that is not commonly found or seen.

Example

The blue diamond is one of the rarest gemstones in the world.

Using than with comparative “less frequent”

When using the comparative form "less frequent" to compare two things, you would use "than" to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "I have been receiving less frequent updates from him than before." Here, "than" is used to show that the frequency of updates from him now is lower than the frequency of updates from him before.

How can I use this expression in context?

“less frequent” and “least frequent” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Communication

    Her emails have become less frequent since she changed jobs.

    Her emails have become less frequent since she changed jobs.

  • 2Attendance

    His absences from work are the least frequent among all the employees.

    His absences from work are the least frequent among all the employees.

  • 3Contributions

    She made the least frequent contributions to the project.

    She made the least frequent contributions to the project.

  • 4Visits

    His visits to the museum are less frequent compared to last year.

    His visits to the museum are less frequent compared to last year.

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