much less

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

I never think of it. much less say it.
What’s the ralationship between the two clause?

and what about this one: The father can’t even discipline himself much less setting a good example to his children.
What’s the relationship between the main clause and the much less setting a good… phrase?

2

I believe this could be a good explanation: “still/much/even less
used after a negative statement in order to emphasize that it applies even more to what you say next
They are not interested in reading poetry, still less in writing it.
I am no-one’s spokesman, much less his.”
macmillandictionary.com/dict … -even-less

3

Here: much less = let alone.

“Let alone” is an idiom. You can study the usage of that on this website: FrazeIt.

4

Beeesneees/Dozy,

  1. The father can’t even discipline himself setting a good example to his children.
  2. The father can’t even discipline himself much less setting a good example to his children.
    What is the difference in meaning between the two sentences?
    Thanks.
5

Beeesneees/Dozy,

  1. The father can’t even discipline himself setting a good example to his children.
  2. The father can’t even discipline himself much less setting a good example to his children.
    What is the difference in meaning between the two sentences?
    Thanks.
6

The sentences in this thread are not quite right.

The father can’t even discipline himself, much less set a good example to his children.
The father can’t even discipline himself, let alone set a good example to his children.

The meaning is pretty much the same.

7

Beeesneees,
“The father can’t even discipline himself, much less set a good example to his children.”
I can’t understand the structure of this sentence.
Could you please explain its structure?
Which is subject and which is predicate?
Thanks.

8

Beeesneees,
I am looking forward to your comments.
Thanks.

9

Beeesneees,
I am awaiting your answer, please.

10

Beeesneees,
I am awaiting your answer, please.

11

Hi Allifathima, “much less” means “and certainly not” : dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dict … /much-less

So the subject is “father” and the verbs are “discipline” and “set” - father cannot discipline and certainly not set