a lower

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lower" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is of a lesser degree, amount, or position compared to something else. Example: "We need to find a lower price for the same product to stay within our budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A lower court agreed.

The New York Times

A lower number?

The New York Times

A lower level opens soon.

The New York Times - Food

A lower court said no.

The Economist

or a lower incidence of allergies.

The New York Times

Accept a lower standard of living".

The New York Times

Even Mexico has a lower murder rate.

The New York Times

Is the iPad a lower security risk?

The New York Times

The general accordingly assumed a lower profile.

The New York Times

A lower court gave him seven years.

The Economist

A lower yen has turbocharged exporters' profits.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, use precise adjectives with "lower" to specify the aspect being reduced. For instance, "a lower interest rate" is clearer than simply "a lower rate".

Common error

Avoid using "a lower" without specifying what is being compared. Saying "the company aimed for a lower" lacks clarity. Instead, state "the company aimed for a lower tax rate".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lower" primarily functions as a determiner followed by an adjective. It modifies a noun to indicate a reduction or decrease in quantity, quality, or position. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its widespread usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

37%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a lower" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to indicate a reduction or decrease. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a common phrase appearing most frequently in News & Media and Wiki sources. When employing this phrase, ensure that the comparison is explicit and the context provides clear reference. By avoiding vagueness and using specific adjectives, you can effectively convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reduced

Focuses specifically on the state of being reduced from a previous level.

a smaller

Emphasizes a reduction in size or quantity.

a diminished

Highlights a decrease in importance or quality.

a lessened

Implies a decrease in intensity or degree.

a decreased

Directly states that something has been made smaller or less.

a cheaper

Specifically refers to a reduction in price or cost.

a more economical

Suggests a more efficient use of resources, often financial.

a more affordable

Emphasizes the ability to be purchased more easily.

a less significant

Indicates a reduced level of importance or impact.

a less intense

Signifies a reduction in strength or force.

FAQs

How can I use "a lower" in a sentence?

You can use "a lower" to describe something that is less than another thing in terms of quantity, quality, or position. For example, "The company aimed for "a lower tax rate"" or "He accepted "a lower salary" for better work-life balance".

What are some alternatives to using "a lower"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a reduced", "a smaller", or "a diminished" to express a similar meaning.

Which is correct, "a lower cost" or "a lesser cost"?

"A lower cost" is generally preferred and more commonly used than "a lesser cost" when referring to expenses or prices. "Lesser" is often used for abstract concepts like importance or value.

What's the difference between "a lower price" and "a cheaper price"?

While both phrases indicate a reduction in cost, "a lower price" is more general and can refer to a price that has been reduced. "A cheaper price" specifically implies that the item is less expensive compared to alternatives.