Learn English – how to use “even less “

phrase-usage

Although there has been explained, in fact, I cannot yet get why the bold part has been used. And, I am wondering if a and b mean the same thing,if so when? when not?

In addition, what are them? are they considered as conjunction?

a. let alone: used for saying that something is even less likely to happen than another unlikely thing: I hardly have time to think these days, let alone relax.

b. still/much/even less: used after a negative statement in order to emphasize that it applies even more to what you say next: I am no one's spokesman, much less his.

You could make the case that let alone and much less are synonymous, since you could substitute one for the other:

I am no one's spokesman, let alone his.

I hardly have time to think these days, much less relax.

Thanks

Best Answer

Yes, they are both considered conjunctions. Furthermore, the two expressions are synonmyms.

I think the reason for you having difficulties with these sentences is that some information has been ellipted:

I am no one's spokesman, let alone his.

is the same as:

I am no one's spokesman, let alone that I would be his spokesman

And:

I hardly have time to think these days, much less relax.

is the same as:

I hardly have time to think these days, much less do I have time to relax these days.

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