lesser intensity

USAGE SUMMARY

"lesser intensity" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a lower degree or level of intensity when comparing two things. For example, "The storm had a lesser intensity than the one we experienced last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

In line with previous biochemical studies on NleL, K6 linkages formed to a greater extent than K48, and an intense signal was observed at −83.10 ppm along with one of lesser intensity at −83.36 ppm.

ACS Chemical Biology

Noise-induced hearing loss can be caused by a brief exposure to a loud sound, like an explosion, or by long-term exposure to sounds of lesser intensity.

The New York Times

The likelihood is that the insurgency would have continued, even after a disastrous defeat for GAM, albeit at a lesser intensity.

The Economist

In a 110-page manual he gives his patients, he has them select a nightmare they want to transform into a dream of lesser intensity.

The New York Times - Science

The area registered quakes estimated to have exceeded 7.0 in magnitude in 1811 and 1812, and is known for somewhat more regular temblors of lesser intensity.

The New York Times - Science

Parliamentary opposition to the neoliberal western-backed policies of the oligarchs and their friends – dubbed by some analysts as market Bolsheviks – had rumbled with greater or lesser intensity throughout the Yeltsin years.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

42 In intense exercise (>80% VO2max), unlike at lesser intensities, glucose is the exclusive muscle fuel.

Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy

Antisense array probes showed overall lesser intensities and far fewer examples of differential TE expression than did the sense arrays.

BMC Genomics

Responses of greater intensities were accorded values of 1.25 1.75, lesser intensities 0.25 0.75, and no response 0. All test sites were photographed with a digital camera.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology

This would create regions of greater and lesser sound intensity, called acoustic shadows, after the wave has propagated past the obstacle.

Britannica

Therefore, a lesser exercise intensity should be compensated for by an increase in exercise duration.

Acta Diabetologica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two events or phenomena, use "lesser intensity" to clearly indicate which one exhibits a lower degree of force or impact.

Common error

Avoid using "lesser" when "fewer" is more appropriate. "Lesser" refers to degree or intensity, while "fewer" refers to countable items. For example, it's correct to say "lesser intensity of pain", but incorrect to say "lesser number of patients".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lesser intensity" functions as a descriptive term, typically used to modify a noun. It indicates a reduced degree or strength of the quality being described. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, showcasing its role in comparative descriptions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

28%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lesser intensity" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, as verified by Ludwig AI, to describe a reduced degree or strength of something. It's prevalent in scientific and news contexts, indicating its broad applicability. The phrase functions descriptively and is used to make comparisons. While "lower intensity" serves as a direct synonym, other alternatives like "reduced" or "milder" can add nuanced meaning. Remember to use "lesser" for non-countable nouns and "fewer" for countable ones, and avoid using the phrase where a simpler adjective would suffice. Ludwig examples showcase usage across domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lower intensity

Direct synonym, replacing "lesser" with "lower" to indicate a reduced degree.

reduced intensity

"Reduced" emphasizes the act of diminishing the intensity.

decreased intensity

"Decreased" suggests a gradual decline in intensity.

milder intensity

"Milder" implies a gentler or less severe intensity.

weaker intensity

"Weaker" denotes a lack of strength or force in the intensity.

slighter intensity

"Slight" indicates a small or barely noticeable degree of intensity.

attenuated intensity

"Attenuated" suggests a weakening or reduction in intensity, often used in technical contexts.

diminished intensity

"Diminished" highlights that the intensity has become smaller or less.

softer intensity

"Softer" suggests a gentler, less abrasive intensity.

lighter intensity

"Lighter" implies a reduced weight or force of intensity.

FAQs

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

You can use "lesser intensity" to compare the magnitude of different events. For example, "The aftershock had a "lesser intensity" than the initial earthquake."

What are some alternatives to "lesser intensity"?

Some alternatives include "lower intensity", "reduced intensity", or "milder intensity", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "lesser intensity" and "lower intensity"?

While both phrases are largely interchangeable, "lower intensity" is more commonly used in contemporary English. "Lesser" might sound slightly more formal or archaic, but the meaning is practically identical.

When is it appropriate to use "lesser" instead of "fewer"?

"Lesser" is used for non-countable nouns that describe an amount or degree, such as "intensity", "importance", or "value". "Fewer" is used for countable nouns, such as "people", "items", or "instances".