Less extent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Less extent" is not correct in standard written English.
It is likely intended to convey a comparison of degree or magnitude, but the phrasing is awkward and unclear. Example: "The project was successful to a lesser extent than anticipated."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In contrast to Blake, Philby and Burgess – and to a less extent Maclean – suffered from nostalgia for Britain.

The Guardian

Hemosiderin deposits tended to be in less extent in infected mice compared with uninfected controls.

Experimental Parasitology

A similar relationship also holds for the projection target data, but to a less extent.

Brain Informatics

Turbidity production was significantly increased in reactors fed molasses and to a less extent Cerelose™.

Aquacultural Engineering

Furthermore, strong, local nonlinearities may to a less extent affect the numerical algorithm.

Journal of Computational Physics

Fish genomes are comprised primarily of nuclear DNA (nDNA) and, to a far less extent, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).

Stock Identification Methods Applications in Fishery Science

Results show that capillary bridge number is strongly influenced by cavity depth and in a less extent by temperature.

Microelectronic Engineering

The ignored state variables of SCIG can increase EOM stability, but with a less extent compared with the shaft.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

In some contexts, such as online banking, the model explains even less extent of technology usage [71].

Journal of Big Data

On average, the number of passengers decreases most significantly in September and to a less extent in August and February.

Journal of Big Data

The results showed that task type also, but to a less extent, impacted on test takers' revision patterns.

Language Testing in Asia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Replace "less extent" with grammatically correct alternatives like "to a lesser degree" or "to a smaller extent" for clarity and precision.

Common error

Don't use "less extent" in formal writing. Although common, it is grammatically incorrect. Opt for alternatives such as "to a lesser degree" to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Less extent" is typically intended to function as an adverbial modifier, indicating the degree to which something occurs or exists. However, according to Ludwig AI, this phrasing is not correct in standard written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

88%

News & Media

10%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "Less extent" appears frequently across various sources, particularly in science and news, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. It's used to indicate a smaller degree or magnitude, but standard English prefers alternatives like "to a lesser degree" or "to a smaller extent". To ensure clarity and grammatical correctness, especially in formal writing, these alternatives are recommended. Despite its prevalence, relying on grammatically sound options enhances the credibility and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to a lesser degree

Replaces "extent" with "degree", providing a more grammatically sound and common alternative.

to a smaller degree

Synonymous with "to a lesser degree", offering a slight variation in wording.

to a lesser amount

Focuses on quantity rather than scope, suitable when referring to measurable quantities.

to a reduced degree

Emphasizes the reduction in magnitude or intensity.

to a lower level

Suitable for describing hierarchical or graded scales.

to a smaller measure

Similar to "to a smaller degree", focusing on the measurement aspect.

to a limited extent

Highlights the restricted scope or range of something.

to a slighter extent

Indicates a marginal or insignificant impact or scope.

not as much

A simpler and more direct way to express a lower quantity or degree.

to a minimal extent

Emphasizes the insignificance or near absence of impact.

FAQs

What are some correct alternatives to "Less extent"?

Better alternatives include "to a lesser degree", "to a smaller extent", or "not as much", depending on the context.

Is "Less extent" grammatically correct?

No, "Less extent" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard written English. It's preferable to use phrases like "to a lesser degree" or "to a smaller extent".

How can I use "to a lesser degree" instead of "Less extent"?

Instead of saying "The impact was felt to a less extent", you would say "The impact was felt to a lesser degree". The phrase functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the magnitude of the impact.

What's the difference between "Less extent" and "To a lesser degree"?

"Less extent" is not grammatically correct, while "to a lesser degree" is a standard and accepted way to express that something is smaller or has a reduced impact. Always choose the latter for clear and correct communication.