much less

much less — idiom

1. Used after a negative statement to say that a second thing is even less true, po

1.慣用語B2
釋義

Used after a negative statement to say that a second thing is even less true, possible, or suitable than the first thing already mentioned.

例句

The baby cannot sit up on her own yet, much less crawl or walk.

cannot [verb], much less [verb] — adding a more difficult action

Linh barely has time to eat lunch, much less go to the gym after work.

同義詞
  • let alone

    interchangeable in most cases; slightly more informal

  • never mind

    more informal and conversational; can also mean 'don't worry about'

  • still less

    more formal, used in written English

文法句型

can't / doesn't / won't [verb phrase], much less [verb phrase]

not [noun phrase], much less [noun phrase]

用法筆記

The first clause must be negative, either with 'not', 'never', 'barely', 'hardly', 'scarcely', 'cannot', or similar. The element after 'much less' is always the more extreme or less likely option.

常見錯誤

❌He can run fast, much less sprint.
✅He cannot run fast, much less sprint.
💡The first clause must be negative for 'much less' to be correct.
❌She doesn't like coffee, much more tea.
✅She doesn't like coffee, much less tea.
💡Use 'much less' (not 'much more') after a negative statement.

2. Used to introduce a more extreme or surprising example that makes the previous p

2.慣用語B2
釋義

Used to introduce a more extreme or surprising example that makes the previous point even more striking, often when the first situation is already difficult or unlikely.

例句

It is hard enough to get a reservation at that restaurant, much less a table by the window.

already [adjective] enough to... much less [more extreme]

Sven can barely afford a room in a shared flat, much less his own apartment in the city centre.

同義詞
  • not to mention

    can be used with both positive and negative statements; 'much less' requires a negative first clause

  • to say nothing of

    more formal; works similarly after negative statements

文法句型

[already/barely] [verb phrase], much less [more extreme verb phrase]

[noun phrase] is [adjective] enough, much less [noun phrase]

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1: in sense 2, the first clause often already contains a comparative or intensifying word ('barely', 'hardly', 'enough') that sets up an understatement, and 'much less' introduces a scenario that makes the understatement obvious.

常見錯誤

❌It's hard enough to find parking, much less it's more expensive.
✅It's hard enough to find parking, much less afford it.
💡Keep the structure parallel: the element after 'much less' should match the grammatical form of the first element.