a lesser quantity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lesser quantity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing amounts or sizes, indicating that one is smaller than another. Example: "In this experiment, we found that the control group received a lesser quantity of the substance compared to the experimental group."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The aircraft could also carry about 1,000 pounds (450 kg) of bombs or a lesser quantity of rockets.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The decreased weights recorded on the evenings of observation days 14 and 16 might be indicative of a lesser quantity of food brought to the nestlings on the previous nights.

Cornell University

The horizontal circulation within the mixed layer also acts to convey fresh waters out of the Bay at these timescales, but in a lesser quantity compared to the vertical export.

Ocean Modelling

Most truffle oils shouldn't cost more than the oil itself: one teaspoon of "truffle aroma," the amount typically used in an eight-ounce boftle of white truffle oil (black truffle oil is made with a lesser quantity of the same chemical) costs about 40 cents.

The New York Times - Food

In the EM + P + LRC1 % treatment, a large quantity of uncovered interstices and a lesser quantity of materials and organic fractions and bacteria were also observed.

Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture

Rock fragments are in variable quantities and include micaceous and illitic mud clasts and fine-grained metamorphic and volcanic fragments to a lesser quantity (Fig. 4f).

Petroleum Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Notably, t-Omp2b was reproducibly detected in a much lesser quantity in Western blot when compared with Omp2b (Figure 2C), which could account for its weaker "anti-Bax" effect.

Plosone

Their venom is more potent but of lesser quantity than that of their mother, a condition that helps ensure that the young can secure food.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the lesser quantity is contained in the greater.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This implies that lesser quantity of nitric oxide gets desorbed to the gas phase.

Chemical Engineering Journal

25, 1938) Of the National Gallery in Washington he wrote: "The French furniture collection is one-tenth of mine in quality and of lesser quantity.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing quantities, ensure the context clearly establishes what "a lesser quantity" is being compared to. For instance, "Use X instead of Y because it requires "a lesser quantity" to achieve the same result."

Common error

Avoid using "a lesser quantity" when the difference is negligible or insignificant. Using it in such cases can mislead the reader into thinking there's a substantial difference when there isn't.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lesser quantity" functions as a determiner phrase specifying an amount that is smaller or less than another. It modifies a noun, indicating a reduced or diminished amount. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various domains.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a lesser quantity" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to indicate a smaller amount compared to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Although relatively uncommon, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in scientific and news-related writing. When using this phrase, ensure the comparison is clear and significant. Consider alternatives like "a smaller amount" or "a reduced quantity" for simpler contexts. As noted in the analysis, be mindful of the scale and avoid using it when the difference is insignificant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a smaller amount

Focuses on the amount being reduced.

a lower amount

Simple alternative using "lower" instead of "lesser".

a reduced volume

Emphasizes a decrease in volume.

a diminished quantity

Highlights the act of lessening or reducing.

a slighter amount

Uses "slighter" to imply a small difference in quantity.

a smaller proportion

Implies a smaller part in relation to a whole.

a minimal quantity

Indicates a very small or the smallest possible amount.

a trace amount

Suggests the quantity is so small it's barely detectable.

a scarcity of

Focuses on the lack or limited availability.

a shortage of

Implies a deficiency or lack of an expected amount.

FAQs

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

You can use "a lesser quantity" to indicate a smaller amount of something compared to something else. For example: "The recipe calls for a cup of sugar, but you can use "a smaller amount" if you prefer a less sweet taste".

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

While "a lesser quantity" and "a smaller amount" are largely interchangeable, "a lesser quantity" might imply a more precise or measurable difference, whereas "a smaller amount" is more general.

Is it more formal to say "a lesser quantity" or "a smaller amount"?

"A lesser quantity" can be perceived as slightly more formal than "a smaller amount", but both are acceptable in most contexts.

What are some alternative phrases for "a lesser quantity"?

Alternatives include "a reduced amount", "a smaller proportion", or "a diminished quantity", depending on the specific context you want to convey.