lesser grades

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lesser grades" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to lower levels of academic achievement or classifications in a grading system. Example: "Students who receive lesser grades may need additional support to improve their understanding of the material."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

New mining methods are discovered, as are processes that make more economical use of lesser grades.

The New York Times

The term Venetian has been applied to lesser grades of ingrain carpet.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The ranks themselves were named for Confucian values virtue, humanity, decorum, faith, righteousness, and knowledge, each in greater and lesser grades.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Instead of high-strength steel, China allows the use of lesser grades.

Forbes

Major grades of intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) are associated with adverse neurodevelopmental sequelae in early childhood but the extent of problems in specific cognitive areas, such as executive function, and the contribution of lesser grades of IVH to neurodevelopmental problems at school age are not well described.

Early Human Development

Protected by sediments at the bottom of the ocean, the coins were unearthed in gleaming, mint condition, with the highest-quality strikes fetching $87,000 each at New Orleans-based Blanchard & Co. (Lesser grades have sold for between $3,000 and $7,100 well below year-ago prices, partly because of increased supply).

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Even those of a lesser grade were equally proud.

The New York Times

Teofilo's son, Trading Leather, should possibly be counted a more eligible Epsom contender than Dawn Approach after beating a very strong field in a lesser grade later on Saturday's card.

Independent

He is proven at the extra distance, albeit in lesser grade, and this looks a significant choice of target for a son of War Front with a big commercial future at stud.

Independent

When Mr Hu last went to Washington, DC, in 2006, China called it a state visit but the White House called it an official one, implying a slightly lesser grade.

The Economist

Tuson is facing a possible three-match suspension for a Grade C offence, while Hock could miss two games if found guilty of a lesser Grade B charge.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lesser grades", ensure the context is clear and the comparison is evident. Specify what the grades are lesser than for improved clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "lesser grades" in highly formal or technical writing where more precise terminology might be appropriate. Opt for more specific terms to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lesser grades" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. The adjective "lesser" describes a comparative reduction in the quality, value, or importance of the "grades" being discussed. Examples show this in contexts like "lesser grades of steel" or academic performance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lesser grades" is grammatically correct and serves to denote items or concepts of lower quality, value, or importance. Ludwig AI confirms its general usability, highlighting examples across news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Science categories. For formal or technical writing, consider using alternatives like "lower quality" or "inferior quality" to improve clarity. When using "lesser grades", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the grades are lesser than.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lower grades

Focuses on the comparative aspect of academic performance or quality.

poorer quality

Directly states that the quality is not as good.

inferior quality

Emphasizes the lower quality of a product or material.

substandard levels

Highlights a failure to meet a certain standard or requirement.

second-rate standards

Emphasizes that the standards are not top quality.

reduced ranks

Indicates a lower position in a hierarchy or classification.

lesser importance

Indicates something is not as significant or crucial.

minor degrees

Suggests a lower extent or severity of something, like an illness.

lower classifications

Specifically refers to a lower position within a defined classification system.

lower echelons

Implies a position at a lower level within an organization or system.

FAQs

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

You can use "lesser grades" to refer to items or concepts that are of a lower quality or importance compared to others. For example: "Lesser grades of steel are often used in non-critical construction applications."

What's a more formal alternative to "lesser grades"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "lower quality", "substandard levels", or "inferior quality" for increased precision and formality.

Is "lesser grades" the same as "lower grades"?

While similar, "lesser grades" can sometimes imply a broader sense of inadequacy or inferiority, whereas "lower grades" generally refers specifically to academic or classification contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "lesser grades" instead of "lower grades"?

Use "lesser grades" when you want to emphasize a broader sense of diminished quality or importance. For example, "lesser grades of diamonds" implies not just lower classification but also reduced overall value.