a lesser degree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lesser degree" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a smaller or reduced level of something compared to another. Example: "The new policy will affect employees to a lesser degree than the previous one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Men tend to have these problems to a lesser degree.

The New York Times - Health

The same happened, to a lesser degree, in reverse.

The New York Times

That practice continues today, though to a lesser degree.

The New York Times

To a lesser degree, people who work for you.

The New York Times

The video viewing continued, to a lesser degree, last week.

The New York Times

So, to a lesser degree, did the Cherubino, Luise Helletsgruber.

The Guardian - Music

The many Rossettis and Barretts and Dickinsons did too, though to a lesser degree.

The New York Times - Books

It noted that the Colnbrook report was also negative, although to a lesser degree.

The Guardian

So, to a lesser degree, are Jeff Davis's monumental bearded male heads.

The New York Times

Lucent has a microelectronics division that competes, and Nortel is a competitor to a lesser degree.

The New York Times

Many of the other incidents involved a lesser degree of coordination.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a lesser degree", ensure the comparison is clear. Specify what the subject is being compared to, to avoid ambiguity. For example: "While both methods are effective, option A is simpler, and Option B is effective to "a lesser degree".

Common error

Avoid using "a lesser degree" without clearly stating what is being compared. Vague comparisons can confuse the reader. Instead of saying, "The problem exists to "a lesser degree", specify where it exists to a lesser degree than: "The problem exists to "a lesser degree" in urban areas than in rural areas."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lesser degree" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb to indicate the extent or intensity of an action or quality. As Ludwig highlights, it signifies a reduced level or scale of something in comparison to something else.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a lesser degree" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something occurs to a smaller extent than something else. As Ludwig's analysis shows, it’s frequently used in News & Media and Science contexts. While generally acceptable across different registers, it's crucial to ensure clarity by specifying what is being compared. Ludwig AI underscores the importance of avoiding vague comparisons, and this guidance serves as a key takeaway for writers aiming for precision and clarity in their writing. Alternatives like "to a smaller extent" or "somewhat" can be used for variety, depending on the specific shade of meaning desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to a smaller extent

Emphasizes a reduction in scope or range, focusing on the limited reach of something.

to a reduced level

Highlights a decrease in intensity or magnitude, suggesting a lower quantity or amount.

to a lower degree

Similar to the original, but uses "lower" instead of "lesser", providing a slight variation in wording.

to a diminished extent

Suggests a weakening or fading of something, implying a gradual reduction in impact.

on a smaller scale

Focuses on the size or scope of an activity or event, indicating a reduction in overall magnitude.

in a minor capacity

Emphasizes the role or function of someone or something, suggesting a less significant contribution.

to a slighter degree

Uses "slighter" to convey a small or subtle difference in magnitude or intensity.

to a more limited extent

Highlights restrictions or constraints, suggesting that something is happening within specific boundaries.

in a secondary manner

Indicates that something is happening as a consequence or supporting action, rather than the primary focus.

somewhat

A simple adverb that expresses a moderate degree, implying less than fully or completely.

FAQs

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

Use "a lesser degree" to indicate that something happens, exists, or is true to a smaller extent compared to something else. For example, "While both strategies are effective, one is helpful to "a lesser degree" than the other."

What are some alternatives to "a lesser degree"?

You can use alternatives like "to a smaller extent", "to a reduced level", or "somewhat" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "to a lesser degree"?

While not inherently redundant, ensure clarity by specifying what is being compared. Saying simply "to a lesser degree" may leave the reader wondering what the comparison is.

What's the difference between "a lesser degree" and "a greater degree"?

"A lesser degree" indicates a smaller amount or extent, while "a greater degree" indicates a larger amount or extent. They are opposites used for comparison.