a lesser

USAGE SUMMARY

"a lesser" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to compare two or more things or people, indicating that one is of lower rank, importance, or quality than the other. Example: "Although both candidates have good qualifications, John's experience is a lesser compared to Mary's extensive background in the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

(Wilson received a lesser sentence).

The New Yorker

But that is a lesser point.

The New York Times

That is not a lesser task.

The New Yorker

He can decide a lesser offense.

The New York Times - Sports

A smaller Scotland; a lesser Britain.

Independent

A lesser woman might have changed.

The New York Times

Britain has experienced a lesser decline.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

TubeMogul is a smaller IPO for a lesser-known company.

TechCrunch

A small one from a lesser-known company.

TechCrunch

A lesser-known source is algae fuel.

Huffington Post

A lesser-known remedy is "universal jurisdiction".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a lesser" to clearly establish a comparison where one item is undeniably inferior or smaller in degree. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a lesser" when there is no implied comparison. For instance, instead of saying "He is a lesser man", specify "He is a lesser man compared to his father" to provide context and avoid subjective judgment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lesser" functions primarily as a determiner followed by an adjective, serving to modify a noun and indicate a lower degree, importance, or quality. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a standard and grammatically correct usage, showing it is often used for comparing one thing against another.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a lesser" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate a diminished degree, importance, or quality. As Ludwig AI states, it's a standard part of the English language and finds its place across a range of contexts, from academic research and news reporting to general discussions. While particularly common in "News & Media" and "Science", remember that using "a lesser" appropriately requires establishing a clear comparison to avoid ambiguity. Steer clear of making absolute statements using "a lesser" without providing a basis for comparison. By keeping these insights in mind, you’ll be sure to use "a lesser" with both precision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lower

Directly indicates a position or level that is below another.

a smaller

Indicates a reduction in size or amount.

a reduced

Suggests a decrease in quantity or intensity.

a minor

Suggests something is not significant or serious.

a diminished

Implies a weakening or reduction in force.

a slighter

Indicates a small degree or amount.

a secondary

Refers to something of second-rate importance or status.

a lighter

Suggests less weight or intensity.

a superficial

Refers to something that is not deep or thorough.

a trivial

Implies lack of importance or value.

FAQs

How to use "a lesser" in a sentence?

Use "a lesser" to indicate that something is smaller, weaker, or less important than something else. For example, "He received "a lesser punishment" compared to his accomplice."

What can I say instead of "a lesser"?

You can use alternatives like "a smaller", "a reduced", or "a minor" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a lesser extent" or "a less extent"?

"A lesser extent" is the correct and more common phrasing. "Less extent" is grammatically incorrect. The phrase "a lesser extent" is used to indicate that something occurs to a smaller degree.

What's the difference between "a lesser" and "a fewer"?

"A lesser" is used with uncountable nouns to indicate a smaller degree, amount, or intensity, while "a fewer" is used with countable nouns to indicate a smaller number. For example, "a lesser amount of effort" vs. "a fewer number of problems".