a lesser amount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a lesser amount' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to compare two different amounts to show that one amount is less than the other. Example: She requested a raise, but was only offered a lesser amount than what she asked for.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It has offered a lesser amount if she resumes paying the loan.

The Guardian - Money

"This will forestall and keep the next rent increase to a lesser amount," he said.

The New York Times

Another payment is due in September, although for a lesser amount.

The New York Times

He said the private school normally have a lesser amount of children which is quicker and easier for the store".

The Guardian

A lesser amount from the government had been used to bolster the capital of its own operating units.

The New York Times

To do this, you make an offer to pay a lesser amount by submitting a proposal on Form 656.

The New York Times

If any of the surplus is spent or used for tax cuts, the debt would be reduced by a lesser amount.

The New York Times

Being in jail, the ex-wife figured it was better to ask the judge for a lesser amount than get nothing at all".

The New York Times

In that trial, tumors shrank by at least half in 12 of 58 patients and shrank by a lesser amount, or stopped growing, in 38 others.

The New York Times

"It will not be like a black box where you send in a bill and get a check for a lesser amount".

The New York Times

Accepting a settlement offer is often a good way in which to clear a debt for a lesser amount if you have the money to do it.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing amounts, ensure clarity by specifying what the "lesser amount" is being compared to. For instance, "She received a lesser amount of funding compared to last year" provides more context than simply stating "She received a lesser amount".

Common error

Avoid using "a lesser amount" without specifying the reference point. Saying "There was a lesser amount" leaves the reader wondering what it is less than. Instead, provide context, such as "There was a lesser amount of rainfall this month compared to the average."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lesser amount" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun, indicating a quantity that is smaller or of less significance. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used to compare quantities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a lesser amount" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate a smaller quantity or degree, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is versatile and appears in various contexts, including news, science, and formal writing. To ensure clarity, specify the point of comparison when using this phrase. While alternatives like "a smaller quantity" exist, "a lesser amount" remains a valid and widely accepted choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lesser quantity

This alternative provides a more direct synonym, maintaining the same comparative structure but changes the noun.

a smaller quantity

This alternative directly focuses on the reduction in quantity.

a reduced quantity

This alternative suggests a quantity that has been diminished from a previous state.

a lower quantity

This alternative focuses on the state of being low in quantity.

a diminished amount

This alternative indicates that the amount has been made smaller.

a reduced sum

This alternative refers to a lower total or aggregate, particularly in financial contexts.

a smaller portion

This alternative implies a smaller fraction or share of something.

a decreased volume

This alternative focuses on the reduction in volume or capacity.

a lighter dose

This alternative is appropriate when referring to medication or other substances administered in specific amounts.

a more limited quantity

This alternative emphasizes the restriction or constraint on the amount available.

FAQs

How can I use "a lesser amount" in a sentence?

Use "a lesser amount" to indicate that one quantity is smaller than another, for example: "He paid "a lesser amount" for the car than its original price".

What's a synonym for "a lesser amount"?

You can use phrases like "a smaller quantity", "a reduced quantity", or "a lower quantity" as alternatives to "a lesser amount".

Is it correct to say "a less amount" instead of "a lesser amount"?

While "less" is often used for uncountable nouns, "lesser" is generally preferred when comparing amounts, especially when a specific quantity is implied. So, "a lesser amount" is the more grammatically sound choice.

What is the difference between "a lesser amount" and "a smaller amount"?

The phrases "a lesser amount" and "a smaller amount" are largely interchangeable, although "a smaller amount" is more common in contemporary usage. "Lesser" can sometimes imply a difference in value or importance, in addition to quantity, that is not implied by "smaller". They both mean a lower quantity of something. You can replace them as: I need "a smaller amount" of sugar.