What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
less
Example
I have less money than I did last month. [less: determiner]
Example
The noise outside became less as the night went on. [less: adverb]
Example
This phone is less expensive than that one. [less: comparative adjective]
decreased
Example
The company's profits decreased by 20% this quarter. [decreased: past tense verb]
Example
The number of students in the class decreased after the midterm exam. [decreased: past participle adjective]
Example
The doctor recommended decreased sugar intake for better health. [decreased: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Less is more common than decreased in everyday language, as it is more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between less and decreased?
Decreased is more formal than less, which is more commonly used in informal contexts.
