a lesser proportion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lesser proportion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing quantities or amounts, indicating that one quantity is smaller than another. Example: "In the survey, a lesser proportion of respondents preferred option A over option B."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Three forces appointed a lesser proportion and 11 did not provide enough data to make a fair comparison.

The Guardian

And when students of color are still in smaller proportion than are people of color in the population, or women are a lesser percentage of dentists and engineers, or men a lesser proportion of physical therapists and nutritionists, that's politics.

The Guardian

Zinc white was identified as well but in a lesser proportion.

Heritage Science

Studies were predominantly within-group designs, with a lesser proportion of case studies/series, between-group and randomised controlled trials.

Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science

The actual equilibrium values depend on the value of e: As e grows, a lesser proportion of mutants remains infected in the subsequent equilibrium.

Plosone

However, a lesser proportion (85%) was familiar with CBE.

BMC Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

In the early stages of the reaction, the vapor is rich in Pb and has a ZnO lesser proportion.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Differences in outcomes between facilities may therefore be partially attributable to these confounders, the magnitude of which is indeterminate in this study, although it is unlikely to be large as a relatively lesser proportion of patients have serious non HIV-related morbidity or HIV-related morbidity not reflected in baseline immunological status or WHO clinical staging.

Plosone

Dr. Dulac said that she expects a substantial, though lesser, proportion to be imprinted in people — maybe some 1 percent of the genome — because humans are more monogamous than mice and so the parents' interests are more closely aligned.

The New York Times - Health

Contradictorily, in our results, methanogenic microbiales were found in lesser proportion.

AMB Express

Instead, if the reactor power is raised to 400 W, then the mixture of the nanoparticles and nanowires of lesser proportion is produced.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing groups, use "a lesser proportion" to clearly indicate which group has a smaller representation within a larger context. For example, "A lesser proportion of women than men are employed in the construction industry."

Common error

Avoid using "a lesser proportion" when simply stating an absolute number. This phrase is most effective when comparing the relative sizes of two or more groups within a defined whole.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lesser proportion" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, indicating that a certain group or entity constitutes a smaller part of a whole. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a lesser proportion" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for comparing quantities, especially when detailing relative sizes of groups within a whole. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, its function is to highlight quantifiable disparities. When using this phrase, ensure you're comparing subgroups within a defined set rather than stating absolute values. Alternative phrasing includes "a smaller share" or "a lower percentage", offering stylistic variety while maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a smaller share

Indicates a reduced portion or part of a whole.

a smaller amount

Emphasizes the reduced quantity or volume.

a reduced quantity

Highlights the act of diminishing in number or amount.

a lower percentage

Focuses on the reduced rate or fraction out of 100.

a diminished fraction

Suggests a decrease in the fractional part.

a slighter degree

Implies a less intense level or extent.

a more limited extent

Indicates a restriction in scope or range.

a milder incidence

Refers to a less severe occurrence or frequency.

a more moderate rate

Highlights a rate that is less extreme.

a minimal quantity

Emphasizes the insignificance in numbers

FAQs

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

Use "a lesser proportion" to compare the relative size of groups within a whole. For example: "A greater proportion of students study English, while a lesser proportion study Latin."

What are some alternatives to "a lesser proportion"?

You can use alternatives like "a smaller share", "a smaller amount", or "a lower percentage" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a lesser proportion" or "a smaller proportion"?

Both "a lesser proportion" and "a smaller proportion" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. "Smaller" is generally more common, but "lesser" can add a slightly more formal tone.

When is it appropriate to use "a lesser proportion" instead of "a smaller number"?

"A lesser proportion" is appropriate when referring to a part of a whole, while "a smaller number" refers to an absolute count. For instance, "A lesser proportion of the population owns yachts" (part of the population), versus "A smaller number of people attended the meeting this week" (absolute count).