lesser path

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lesser path" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a choice or option that is considered to be of lower quality, importance, or value compared to another. Example: "In the face of adversity, he chose the lesser path, avoiding confrontation and conflict."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

When an idea goes viral: While the crowds surged into the big tent to see Katie Couric interview David Brooks on his recent book on Character, I chose the lesser path and joined a small but grateful audience to hear Reza Aslan, author of Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth, talk about "The Jesus of History versus the Christ of Faith". Aslan uses PowerPoint as art.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Ignore lesser paths leading off to the right; keep to the left and admire the views of the falls and plunge pools at the bottom of the gorge.

The Guardian - Travel

Compared to LP model, AMRTC constructs lesser paths for flows but considerably removes non-CO interfering chains to achieve better end-to-end throughput.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The proposed CMLB shows a reduction of 8.6% of device area and 1.094 times lesser critical path delay against the SRAM-based FPGA architecture.

Integration, the VLSI Journal

The flood of donations spurred by redistricting provides an unusual glimpse into one of the lesser known paths used to channel contributions and underlines how money, and access to money, has usurped many of the political parties' functions.

The New York Times

From the city's main square, another, lesser-known path creeps west.

BBC

Stay in a hotel on the rim of the canyon and take a guided tour to walk the lesser-trodden paths that wrap their way around its curves.

The Times

Stealing a cartoon and selling it as your own property is basically theft, but mining the lesser-trodden paths of pop consciousness for clever references that also stand alone as cool aesthetic objects is a skill.

Vice

The second, lesser-known career path involves taking the National Commodity Futures Examination, otherwise known as the Series 3 test.

Forbes

But it's his desire to pursue the lesser trodden musical paths, his outsider status, and iconoclastic music, that have ensured his influence on a variety of music genres like heavy metal, funk, noise music, classical, and the tradition of satirical rock songs.

Vice

When health is found along the path of lesser resistance, rather than the road less traveled.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lesser path", ensure the context clearly establishes the existence of a more prominent or desirable alternative. This provides necessary contrast and meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "lesser path" when you simply mean "different path". "Lesser" implies a reduction in quality, importance, or desirability, so ensure this negative connotation is appropriate for your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lesser path" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to a route, choice, or option that is considered less desirable, important, or significant compared to another. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lesser path" describes an alternative route, choice, or option perceived as less desirable or significant than another. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across different contexts. While not exceedingly common, it finds use in news, general writing, and technical discourse. Related phrases include "alternative route" and "secondary option". When employing "lesser path", ensure that the intended connotation of reduced quality or importance is appropriate. Avoid substituting it for simply a "different path" if there's no implied value judgment. In summary, "lesser path" serves to evaluate options and distinguish them by quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alternative route

Focuses on the aspect of an alternative way or course, often implying a choice between different routes to a destination.

secondary option

Highlights that the option is of secondary importance or preference compared to a primary choice.

minor course

Emphasizes the reduced scale or significance of the path or direction being taken.

lesser-known route

Highlights the obscurity or lack of familiarity of the path, suggesting it's not commonly traveled.

inferior choice

Directly indicates a choice of lower quality or value.

subordinate path

Suggests that the path is under the control or authority of another, greater path. It implies a hierarchical structure.

unconventional option

Focuses on the path as being different from what is generally accepted or practiced.

road less traveled

This phrase, while more figurative, also suggests a path that's not commonly taken, differing from the typical.

side passage

Emphasizes the element of something alongside the main path, with reduced importance.

backdoor strategy

Implies a less direct, potentially sneaky, or unconventional way of achieving a goal, compared to a main path.

FAQs

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

You can use "lesser path" to describe a choice or option that is considered to be of lower quality, importance, or value compared to another. For example: "In the face of adversity, he chose the lesser path, avoiding confrontation and conflict."

What is a good alternative to "lesser path"?

Depending on the context, you might consider using alternatives such as "alternative route", "secondary option", or "minor course".

Is "lesser path" a formal or informal expression?

"Lesser path" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's more commonly found in neutral or slightly formal writing. The appropriateness depends on the overall tone and style of the piece.

What does "path of least resistance" mean, and how is it different from "lesser path"?

"Path of least resistance" refers to choosing the easiest option, while "lesser path" implies an option that is not as good or important as another. While the easiest route might sometimes be a "lesser path", the two phrases don't necessarily overlap.