lesser in number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lesser in number" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare two sets of items in terms of quantity. For example: "While the larger group had over 500 members, the smaller group was lesser in number, with only 250 members."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But the DUBs are comparatively lesser in number and much more specific with respect to their functions and, hence, likely to be better targets [ 23, 24].

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

These conditions have made it necessary for the residents in the endemic area to travel longer distances to obtain water from the currently serving wells, which are becoming lesser in numbers as more and more wells get abandoned due to increasing hardness.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

The lesser nobility, large in number, was considered the second estate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The King Penguin breeds in huge numbers on South Georgia, and in lesser numbers in the Falklands but until recently no nesting has been detected on South America itself.

Cornell University

(We already know this danger is real; gender-selective abortions still take place in the hundreds of thousands in India and China each year, and in lesser numbers in dozens of countries across the globe). Genetic testing should be given for the purpose of preparation and decision-making, not as a tool for predicting the quality of a child's life.

The New York Times

They are possibly extinct in Sudan, and exist in lesser numbers in Eritrea and Ethiopia.

Wikipedia

This is likely due to the numerous flaws present in the automated network that are absent or present in a lesser number in the curated iMLTC806cdf reconstruction presented here.

BMC Systems Biology

It uses triple-tail cell concept which results in lesser number of stages as well as gate count in comparison to the traditional PFSCL D latch.

Microelectronics Journal

Historian Angela Howard notes that along the spirit ways of the auxiliary tombs such as Li Xianhui's the statues are smaller, of lesser quality, and fewer in number than the main spirit way of Qianling leading to Gaozong and Wu's burial.

Wikipedia

In the case of the MA, we can see how the fitness improves ideally for both PPP and HHP approaches (HHP reaches the target in lesser number of iterations).

Complex & Intelligent Systems

This may result in lesser number of vaccinations delivered each day, which could undermine mass vaccination campaigns when very large numbers of children need to be immunized.

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing quantities, ensure that the items being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The second batch was lesser in number", specify "The second batch of cookies was lesser in number than the first".

Common error

Remember that "lesser" refers to degree or significance, while "fewer" refers to countable items. Avoid saying "lesser cookies", and use "fewer cookies" instead, if you're talking about how many items there are.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lesser in number" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a smaller quantity or count. It is used to compare the numerical size of two or more groups or sets, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lesser in number" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate a smaller quantity or count. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid way to compare numerical sizes across various contexts. While similar to phrases like "fewer in number", it is important to use "fewer" when referring to countable items for optimal grammatical correctness. "Lesser in number" appears commonly in scientific, news, and general writing, demonstrating its versatility. Remember to be clear about what you are comparing to avoid any ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fewer in quantity

Emphasizes a smaller amount that can be counted.

smaller in quantity

Focuses on the reduced amount, which can be measurable or countable.

reduced in amount

Highlights the decrease in quantity.

lower in count

Refers to a reduced total or tally.

scarcer in supply

Implies a limited availability of something.

deficient in volume

Suggests a lack of sufficient volume.

lacking in measure

Indicates an inadequacy in the measured quantity.

limited in stock

Points to a restricted or finite supply.

dwindling in sum

Indicates a gradual reduction in the total.

at a lower ebb

Suggests a decrease in overall level or quantity.

FAQs

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

You can use "lesser in number" to compare the quantity of two or more items. For example, "The attendance this year was "smaller in number" than last year".

What's the difference between "lesser in number" and "smaller in quantity"?

"Lesser in number" generally refers to countable items, while "smaller in quantity" can refer to both countable and uncountable items. Although they are very similar, it's preferable to use "fewer in number" for countable items.

Which is more appropriate: "lesser in number" or "fewer in number"?

"Fewer in number" is generally considered more grammatically correct when referring to countable items. However, "lesser in number" is still commonly used and understood, as Ludwig AI confirms.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "lesser in number"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "smaller amount", "fewer items", or "reduced quantity".