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Anonymous Posted 8 years ago
Grammar

Confusing usage of word "less"

Hi! I have been translating bookkeeping-related texts for 10 years but now I am just very confused. Can anyone please help me with understanding the usage of two words "less" in this sentence: "The International Financial Reporting Standards defines operating cash flow as cash generated from operations less taxation and interest paid, investment income received and less dividends paid gives rise to operating cash flows."

I know what all those words mean separately, but I don't understand the usage of the "less" here. "Less taxation and interest paid" - does it "minus taxation and interest paid"? And the other "less dividends paid" - does it mean "dividends have been paid"/"the amount of money that has been paid as dividends has been deducted"?

I don't think I have ever seen the word "less" used like this. Also I feel like the second part of the sentence is missing a comma (between "paid" and "gives") or some word.

  

Top answer

"Less taxation and interest paid" - does it mean "minus taxation and interest paid"? Yes "less dividends paid" - This means "minus the amount of money that has been paid as dividends". It's not unusual to use 'less' in this way.

— Clive

  • "Less taxation and interest paid" - does it mean "minus taxation and interest paid"?
  • Yes "less dividends paid" - This means "minus the amount of money that has been paid as dividends".
  • It's not unusual to use 'less' in this way.
  • Yes, there's something wrong with the last sentence.
  • For a start, I think there should be an opening quotation mark before the words cash generated .
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2 Answers
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"Less taxation and interest paid" - does it mean "minus taxation and interest paid"? Yes

"less dividends paid" - This means "minus the amount of money that has been paid as dividends".

It's not unusual to use 'less' in this way.

Yes, there's something wrong with the last sentence. For a start, I think there should be an opening quotation mark before the words

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Yes, "less" means "minus", but something has gone wrong with the overall structure of the sentence and it does not make proper sense. I'm not sure if it is just a comma splice error (new sentence should be started at the comma) or whether there are other errors.

(cross-posted)

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