be of lesser value

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be of lesser value" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe something that is not as valuable or important as something else, or to compare the value of two things. Example: "The antique vase was of great value, while the old teapot was of lesser value."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Transatlantic can still make the case that the combination with Validus will be of lesser value than the standalone option.

The New York Times

"I hate to say it, but the quality far exceeds when it's an RM because it's the literal grower of the grapes making Champagne; it's not being blended with grapes from their neighbor that may be of lesser value".

Huffington Post

For many years it was rumoured among Doctor Who fans that some film inserts were considered to be of lesser value than complete programmes and were junked as late as the early 1980s.

Wikipedia

However, we felt that agents requiring longer than this to control BP would be of lesser value in clinical settings where rapid BP control may be required to improve clinical outcomes.

Critical Care

As a result many infant formulae now contain LC-PUFA, although it is worth noting that ARA supplementation for adults is, in many cases, often considered to be of lesser value since the ω6 LC-PUFA tend to be pro-inflammatory in nature and counteract the strong anti-inflammatory effects of ω3 LC-PUFA.

AoB PLANTS

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The two sketches are of lesser value, which the police estimated at a total of $17,000.

The New York Times

You might end up keeping one player that's of lesser value, but the value of that lesser player, plus the value of the picks acquired exceeds that of the player you just traded.

The New York Times

The Primary Zone generally supports the present population and is of highest conservation value, while the Secondary Zone is of lesser value but could accommodate expansion of the population given sufficient habitat restoration.

Biological Conservation

A royal commission in the territory might well go some way toward highlighting what we already know at the core of our dark national heart, but are loth to admit: a non-Indigenous assumption, seeded in the colonies, that black lives are of lesser value, still shamefully thrives in sections of our justice, law and order, and political systems.

The Guardian - Opinion

But in these circumstances people kill because they can; because they believe they can act with impunity; because they have been asked to and rationalised the utility of the act; and because they have persuaded themselves that their victims' humanity is of lesser value than their own.

The Guardian - Opinion

In a letter to Ibn Tibbon, Maimonides clearly states that Avicenna's philosophy is of lesser value than al-Farabi's.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be of lesser value", ensure a clear comparison is established. Specify what the subject is being compared to for context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "be of lesser value" without providing a reference point. Saying something is of lesser value without stating what it's less valuable than leaves the statement open to misinterpretation and weakens its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be of lesser value" functions primarily as a comparative descriptor, indicating that one item or concept holds less worth, significance, or importance than another. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

48%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be of lesser value" serves as a versatile comparative phrase indicating reduced worth, importance, or significance. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in a variety of sources. The phrase is most frequently found within scientific and news reporting, and is suitable for neutral registers. Remember that context is key with this phrase; a clear comparison should always be established so as to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives such as "be of lower value" or "hold less significance" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be of lower value

Replaces "lesser" with "lower", maintaining a direct synonym for value comparison.

be of reduced worth

Substitutes "value" with "worth", implying a decrease in inherent quality or merit.

be less valuable

Simplifies the structure while retaining the core meaning of diminished value.

be of diminished importance

Shifts the focus from monetary value to the significance or relevance of something.

hold less significance

Emphasizes the reduced importance or impact of something.

be of secondary importance

Positions something as not being the primary concern or priority.

be subordinate in value

Highlights the hierarchical relationship, where one thing is lower in a value ranking.

lack comparable merit

Focuses on the absence of equal quality or praiseworthiness.

be of inferior quality

Highlights a difference in quality, where one thing is of a lower standard.

be not as important

Expresses the concept in a simpler, more direct manner focusing on importance.

FAQs

How can I use "be of lesser value" in a sentence?

You can use "be of lesser value" to compare the worth or importance of two things, such as "While the painting was beautiful, the sketch was "be of lesser value"".

What's a more formal alternative to "be of lesser value"?

In formal contexts, consider using "be of diminished importance" or "hold less significance" to convey a similar meaning with increased sophistication.

Is it better to say "be of lesser value" or "be less valuable"?

Both "be of lesser value" and "be less valuable" are grammatically correct, but "be less valuable" is often more concise and direct. The choice depends on the desired tone and the specific context.

What does it mean for something to "be of lesser value"?

When something "be of lesser value", it means it has less worth, importance, or significance compared to something else. The comparison is crucial for understanding the statement.