a lesser time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lesser time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a time period that is considered to be of lower significance or quality compared to another time period. Example: "In a lesser time, people relied more on manual labor than on technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The last, long cavalry charge is over, and we live in a lesser time.

The New Yorker

However, in the past week the ad has been amended to include a line opening up the position to candidates with less free time: "Suitable candidates able to offer a lesser time commitment will also be considered".

The Guardian

It is well known that a minimal repair takes, in general, the least time, while the imperfect repair takes more time than the minimal repair, but a lesser time than a major repair.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

He even gives us a Jordan tongue wag as to say 'I am the Greatest,' where a lesser man, in a lesser time, might have yelled 'World Star!'.

Vice

However, computed assisted ROI selections are suitable to achieve results with a lesser time consuming technique [ 42- 44].

BMC Cancer

Symmetric replication topography will help to terminate the replication from the origin in a lesser time in comparison with an asymmetric topography.

DNA Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Charcoal is used as a microwave absorbing material that raises its temperature in a much lesser time, while calcium chloride for the favorable formation of KCl.

Separation and Purification Technology

This amount of glucose will be consumed by erythrocytes alone just in 20 30 minutes, and, in a much lesser time, if glucose is also consumed by the brain, spinal cord, heart, skeletal muscles, kidneys, and liver.

BioMed Research International

The fairy stories of Tolkien, The Lord of the Flies of Golding, the science fiction of Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., have, for a greater or lesser time, satisfied a hunger for myth, symbols, and heterodox ideas, to be replaced with surprising speed by other books.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Confirmation is needed that, when the conditioner is used, an equal or lesser time is required to achieve an adequate ice ball on the cervix.

BMC Women's Health

Baseline BALP levels higher than ROC-CO showed a close relation with lesser time until SRE appearance.

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing time periods, use "a lesser time" to clearly indicate a period of reduced significance, duration, or quality compared to another reference point. This provides a clear contrast for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "a lesser time" when you simply mean a shorter duration. "Shorter time" is more appropriate when only referring to length, while "a lesser time" carries a connotation of reduced quality or importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lesser time" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as an adverbial modifier to compare or contrast two different periods. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lesser time" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a period of reduced significance, duration, or quality. Ludwig AI shows that while it appears across various domains, it's particularly prevalent in scientific and news contexts. Alternatives like "a shorter duration" or "a less significant period" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to differentiate it from simply stating a shorter time, as "a lesser time" carries an implication of diminished quality or importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shorter duration

Focuses on the length, implying a briefer period.

a reduced timeframe

Emphasizes a curtailed or diminished period.

a diminished era

Highlights the decline or reduction in importance of a period.

a less significant period

Underscores the reduced importance or impact of a time.

a briefer moment

Implies a quick or fleeting instance.

a slighter interval

Suggests a small or negligible gap in time.

a lower point in time

Highlights a period of decreased value or success.

a less eventful season

Emphasizes a lack of notable occurrences.

a more limited period

Indicates restricted duration or scope.

a less prosperous age

Highlights economic or general decline of a time.

FAQs

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

You can use "a lesser time" to describe a period of reduced significance or duration compared to another. For example, "Tasks now completed in minutes once required hours, showcasing the efficiency of modern technology compared to "a lesser time"".

What's the difference between "a shorter time" and "a lesser time"?

"A shorter time" refers specifically to duration, while "a lesser time" implies a period of reduced significance, quality, or power. While there can be overlap, they aren't always interchangeable.

Are there formal alternatives to "a lesser time"?

Yes, formal alternatives include "a reduced timeframe", "a less significant period", or "a diminished era". The choice depends on the specific context and the aspect of 'lesser' you want to emphasize.

Can "a lesser time" refer to the future?

While it often refers to the past when contrasting eras, "a lesser time" can theoretically describe a future period if projected to be less significant in some respect. However, this usage is less common.