a lesser degree of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a lesser degree of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that something is not as much, or not as extreme as another thing. For example, "He disagreed with the proposed plan, but with a lesser degree of passion than his colleague."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

Surely the State may adopt a lesser degree of regulation than total prohibition.

Cornell University

Cell deformation was associated with deformation, to a lesser degree, of the nucleus.

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - General Subjects

Results indicate a wide implementation of RPA and to a lesser degree of NPA.

Journal of Air Transport Management

Conversely, a lesser degree of civil freedom gives intellectual freedom enough room to expand to its fullest extent.

Britannica

And to a lesser degree of innocence, there's also the kind that just do analytics, like Google Analytics.

Harvard Business Review

"Blacks are likely targeted for stops based on a lesser degree of objectively founded suspicion than whites," she wrote.

The New York Times

Two million American males have the condition, and millions more have osteopenia, a lesser degree of bone loss.

Harvard University

AVA deposited Cu films possess smaller grains with a lesser degree of crystallinity than dc-sputtered ones.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Governments of the region, especially of Guatemala and, to a lesser degree, of Honduras, are indifferent to the plight of their poor who migrate.

The New York Times

The two examined locations that are relatively protected, Spit Bridge and Anzac Bridge, show a lesser degree of wave height amplification.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a lesser degree of" to clearly indicate a comparison between two things where one has less of a particular quality or characteristic. For instance, "While both methods are effective, the second requires a lesser degree of precision."

Common error

Avoid using "a lesser degree of" without a clear point of comparison. For example, instead of saying "The project required a lesser degree of effort", specify what it required less effort than. A more appropriate sentence might be: "The project required a lesser degree of effort than initially anticipated."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lesser degree of" functions as a quantifier, indicating a smaller amount or intensity of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage. It's often used to compare different levels of a quality or characteristic, as demonstrated by the numerous examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

59%

News & Media

32%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lesser degree of" is a versatile phrase used to express a reduced level of something when comparing two or more items. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in scientific, news, and academic contexts. While it functions as a quantifier and serves to establish comparisons, it's crucial to use it with a clear reference point to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "to a smaller extent" or "to a more limited degree" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. It is safe to say that the analyzed phrase is very versatile and useful in a wide range of contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to a more limited degree

Emphasizes the restricted scope or qualification.

to a smaller extent

Emphasizes the reduced scope or range.

to a lower level

Focuses on the reduced intensity or rank.

to a slighter extent

Highlights the small difference in magnitude.

to a reduced amount

Stresses the decreased quantity.

in a diminished capacity

Highlights the reduced ability or capability.

with less intensity

Focuses on the reduced strength or force.

on a smaller scale

Emphasizes the reduced size or scope.

to a more limited extent

Highlights the restricted range or scope.

in a more moderate fashion

Focuses on the balanced or restrained approach.

FAQs

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

Use "a lesser degree of" to compare the extent or intensity of one thing to another. For example, "This task requires "a lesser degree of" skill than the previous one."

What's a good alternative to "a lesser degree of"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "to a smaller extent", "to a lower level", or "to a more limited degree".

Is it correct to say "a smaller degree of" instead of "a lesser degree of"?

While "smaller" and "lesser" can sometimes be interchangeable, "lesser" is generally preferred when referring to abstract qualities or intensities. "Smaller" is more appropriate for physical size or quantity.

What is the difference between "a lesser degree of" and "a lower degree of"?

"A lesser degree of" and "a lower degree of" are quite similar. "Lesser" often implies a comparison in importance or significance, while "lower" suggests a position on a scale or hierarchy.