a lesser rate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lesser rate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing rates, typically in contexts involving pricing, interest, or costs that are lower than another rate. Example: "The service is offered at a lesser rate for students compared to regular customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

A second settlement – with the UK agreeing to a lesser rate of interest on the claim – was reached, but again rejected in a plebiscite a year later.

The Guardian - Business

"Although the majority of investors will be active in 2010, it will be at a lesser rate than in recent years," the study said.

The Guardian - Business

But Dr. FitzGerald said that problems seen in bypass patients might also occur, though at a lesser rate, in patients with less cardiovascular risk.

The New York Times

Although subsequent growth continued at a lesser rate, by the early 21st century the metropolitan population exceeded 11 million, of which nearly half resided in the suburbs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Media stocks continued to fall, albeit at a lesser rate than Friday, with Sky down almost 3%, Daily Mirror owner Trinity Mirror down 10%, Daily Mail down almost 4% and WPP off 2.3%.

The Guardian - Business

Although the show's audience has declined by 5% from a year ago - when its audience stood at 766,000 - it has declined at a lesser rate than all of the other drivetime challengers in London.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Troy Aikman, whose analysis remains too conventional, would have had a lesser rating.

The New York Times - Sports

To my mind, that superior rating demands periodic re-examination and re-justification in a way that a lesser rating doesn't.

The New York Times

An online petition advocating a lesser rating was signed by some 475,000 people, and the effort was supported by celebrities like Justin Bieber, Meryl Streep and Drew Brees.

The New York Times

But I'd be hard pressed to give a lesser rating to the pie I had at the elegant Pier House, where you can sit outside at night and watch the passing boats.

The New York Times - Travel

Waddle and Majors could have easily hired them at a much lesser rate, but instead paid them a handsome sum for that time of one hundred dollars a month.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two rates, use "a lesser rate" to clearly indicate which is smaller or lower. For example, "The interest accrues at a lesser rate compared to other loans."

Common error

Avoid using "a lesser rate" when simply indicating something is small or unimportant without comparison. Instead, use it specifically to contrast with another rate. For example, say "a lower price" instead of "a lesser price" if you are not explicitly comparing it to another price.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lesser rate" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, typically referring to financial or statistical contexts. As shown by Ludwig, it is employed to describe a quantity that is smaller in magnitude compared to another.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lesser rate" is a phrase used to indicate a reduced or smaller amount when comparing two rates. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in both news and scientific contexts. When writing, ensure its use involves a clear comparison to another rate. Alternatives include "a lower rate" or "a reduced rate". Its frequency is common, suggesting a wide acceptance in formal and informal communications. Be careful not to use "a lesser rate" when you are not comparing with another rate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reduced rate

Indicates a rate that has been decreased or lowered from a previous level.

a lower rate

Implies a rate that is not as high as another.

a smaller rate

Refers to a rate that is less in magnitude or extent.

a decreased rate

Highlights that the rate has been diminished or lessened.

a diminished rate

Suggests a rate that has been reduced, often implying a weakening.

a mitigated rate

Conveys that the rate has been made less severe or intense.

a lessened pace

Focuses on the speed or tempo being slower.

a slower pace

Emphasizes a reduced speed or tempo.

a curtailed rate

Suggests a rate that has been restricted or cut short.

a moderated rate

Indicates that the rate has been kept within reasonable limits or bounds.

FAQs

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

Use "a lesser rate" to compare a rate with another, indicating it's smaller or lower. For example, "They offered a service at "a lesser rate" for students compared to regular customers."

What are some alternatives to "a lesser rate"?

Alternatives include "a reduced rate", "a lower rate", or "a smaller rate", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a lesser rate" or "a lower rate"?

Both "a lesser rate" and "a lower rate" are correct, but "a lesser rate" is often used in more formal contexts or when making a specific comparison. "Lower rate" is generally more common.

What's the difference between "a lesser rate" and "a slower rate"?

"A lesser rate" refers to the magnitude or amount, while "a slower rate" refers to the speed or pace. "A lesser rate of interest" implies a smaller percentage, while "a slower rate of growth" indicates a reduced speed of increase.