a lesser one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lesser one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is of lower quality, importance, or value compared to something else. Example: "While the first option is the best, the second is a lesser one that still meets our needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The jury's decision to acquit on the most serious charge but convict on a lesser one spurred mixed emotions that left spectators on both sides of the courtroom nearly speechless.

The New York Times

Restaurants, bookstores, cafés on a grander scale railway stations, on a lesser one chessboards near park benches are the sinews of civil society.

The New Yorker

But there are formidable challenges ahead for these new e-books on demand services, including perhaps a lesser one that can't be addressed by these charts.

TechCrunch

Yawning, likewise, does not, in a dog, indicate boredom but may be a gesture on the part of a dominant dog to a lesser one that it does not intend him harm.

The New Yorker

Such a collection can be difficult to balance — a powerful novella puts a strain on the accompanying stories to match its themes, while a lesser one can drag down an otherwise strong arrangement.

The New York Times - Books

But it's not a lesser one for a man.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Its central character has been thrown out of focus by a lesser one.

The New York Times

War requires an extra standard of care, not a lesser one.

The New York Times

Instead, he's been pressed into the role of his own screenwriter, often a lesser one.

The New Yorker

It shows how a short life can still be an infinity, even if it is a lesser one.

The Guardian

There is evidence of a considerable iron-smelting industry at Manda and of a lesser one at Kilwa.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a lesser one" to clearly indicate a distinction in quality, importance, or degree between two items or concepts. Ensure the context makes it clear what the "lesser one" is being compared to.

Common error

While "a lesser one" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing. Consider stronger, more precise alternatives like "subordinate", "secondary", or "inferior" for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lesser one" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It typically modifies an implied noun, indicating that something is of a lower degree or quality compared to something else. As Ludwig AI explains, it's correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lesser one" is a versatile phrase used to indicate something of lower quality, importance, or degree, with Ludwig providing numerous examples of its usage across diverse contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely understood. While generally neutral in tone, consider more formal alternatives for academic or professional writing. Remember to use "a lesser one" to clearly distinguish and compare, ensuring the point of comparison is evident. Overuse should be avoided for a clear and crisp writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a smaller one

Focuses on physical size or scope rather than inherent value or quality.

a minor one

Suggests reduced significance or importance, often in the context of problems or issues.

a secondary one

Implies a lower position in a hierarchy or sequence.

a weaker one

Emphasizes a lack of strength or effectiveness.

a reduced one

Highlights a decrease in size, amount, or intensity.

a diminished one

Suggests a decrease in importance or reputation.

a lower-grade one

Specifically indicates a lower ranking in terms of quality.

a substandard one

Points to a failure to meet a required level of quality.

an inferior one

Directly states that something is of lower quality than something else.

a second-rate one

Implies that something is not of the highest quality or standard.

FAQs

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

You can use "a lesser one" to compare two things, indicating that one is of lower quality, importance, or degree. For example, "While the first option is preferable, the second is "a lesser one" that we can still consider."

What are some alternatives to "a lesser one"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a smaller one", "a minor one", or "a secondary one".

Is "a lesser one" formal or informal?

"A lesser one" is generally considered neutral in tone. While acceptable in most contexts, more formal alternatives might be preferred in highly academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "a lesser one" and "a smaller one"?

"A lesser one" typically refers to quality, importance, or degree, while "a smaller one" usually refers to physical size or scope. The choice depends on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.