lesser ones

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lesser ones" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to individuals or things that are considered to be of lower status, quality, or importance compared to others. Example: "In the hierarchy of the organization, the lesser ones often feel overlooked and undervalued."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The greatest shamans are brought up close to the top of the tree, the intermediate ones toward the middle, and the lesser ones on the lower branches.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Because large sharks feed on lesser ones, the habit of segregation by size appears vital to their survival.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Terrorism is often associated with coercion, but of the reasons to doubt the justifiability of terrorism, its coerciveness is perhaps one of the lesser ones.

SEP

But first-rate works stand out for their timeless qualities and easily slip the bonds of their classification, while lesser ones provide grace notes and variations on the dominant themes.

The New Yorker

These successes, as well as some lesser ones, have left Roddick as the primary American hope on the men's side for the majority of his career.

The New York Times

On the face of it, such losses fit in poorly with lesser ones.

The New Yorker

The lesser ones fade into obscurity.

The New York Times

Two epic cases, and even some lesser ones, went their way.

The New Yorker

Slavery is a battle we've won, and the fights that are left are hopefully lesser ones.

The New Yorker

Exceptional flows have occurred at least once a decade, and lesser ones in greater numbers.

The New Yorker

Recent fiction is well enough populated with great authors forced into fictional life by lesser ones.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lesser ones", ensure the context clearly establishes what the superior or greater entities are for a clear comparison. For example: "While major accomplishments garner praise, remember to acknowledge the "lesser ones" which contribute to overall success."

Common error

Avoid using "lesser ones" without a clear point of reference. Without context, it becomes vague and can unintentionally sound condescending. For example, avoid saying "focus on the important tasks and ignore the "lesser ones"" without specifying what those tasks are.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lesser ones" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It refers to entities of lower significance, quality, or status, as evidenced by Ludwig examples showing its use in comparisons.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lesser ones" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote entities of lower significance, quality, or rank. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While prevalent in News & Media and Encyclopedias, its formality varies; hence, more precise language might suit academic or scientific writing. When employing "lesser ones", ensure clear context to avoid ambiguity or unintended condescension. Alternatives such as "inferior counterparts" or "subordinate entities" can offer a more nuanced expression depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lesser individuals

Directly mirrors the structure while specifying individuals.

inferior counterparts

Focuses on the comparative inferiority.

subordinate entities

Highlights hierarchical position and lower rank.

minor figures

Emphasizes reduced prominence and significance.

secondary elements

Stresses a supporting rather than leading role.

smaller entities

Focuses on size, scope, or impact differences.

less significant alternatives

Highlights the lower importance of the options.

weaker substitutes

Indicates reduced strength or effectiveness.

lower-tier options

Refers to ranking within a system or classification.

second-rate items

Emphasizes diminished quality or value.

FAQs

How do I use "lesser ones" in a sentence?

Use "lesser ones" to refer to entities that are smaller, less important, or of lower quality compared to others. For example, "The company focused on its core products while neglecting the "minor products"".

What can I say instead of "lesser ones"?

You can use alternatives like "inferior counterparts", "subordinate entities", or "minor figures" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "lesser ones" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "lesser ones" can sometimes sound informal or even slightly condescending. In formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "secondary elements" or "smaller entities" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "lesser ones" and "minor ones"?

"Lesser ones" implies a comparison in terms of importance, quality, or size, while "minor ones" primarily emphasizes reduced size or scope. For instance, "minor details" suggests small details, while ""lesser ones"" suggests they are less significant.