lesser quantities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lesser quantities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to amounts that are smaller or reduced in comparison to something else. Example: "The recipe calls for greater quantities of flour, but you can adjust it to use lesser quantities if you're making a smaller batch."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

This blend consists mostly of cabernet franc, with lesser quantities of cabernet sauvignon and merlot.

The New York Times

It is also found in much lesser quantities in Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, and Uruguay.

Britannica

Antimony is found in Bolivia and in lesser quantities in central Peru.

Britannica

Lesser quantities of sardines, mackerel, and anchovies also are exploited by littoral states.

Britannica

Testosterone is the hormone that more or less defines maleness (though women have it too, in lesser quantities).

The Economist

Two other major phenolics include p-coumaric and vanillic acids followed by lesser quantities of syringic acid.

Journal of Cereal Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

But the lesser quantity is contained in the greater.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This implies that lesser quantity of nitric oxide gets desorbed to the gas phase.

Chemical Engineering Journal

The aircraft could also carry about 1,000 pounds (450 kg) of bombs or a lesser quantity of rockets.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Their venom is more potent but of lesser quantity than that of their mother, a condition that helps ensure that the young can secure food.

Encyclopedia Britannica

25, 1938) Of the National Gallery in Washington he wrote: "The French furniture collection is one-tenth of mine in quality and of lesser quantity.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the amounts of different ingredients or elements, use "lesser quantities" to clearly indicate which is smaller.

Common error

Remember that "lesser" generally refers to continuous or non-countable amounts, while "fewer" is used for discrete, countable items. For countable items, "fewer quantities" is more appropriate than "lesser quantities."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lesser quantities" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a smaller amount or number of something. Ludwig's examples show this phrase used to compare amounts of ingredients, resources, or even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

16%

News & Media

16%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lesser quantities" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to denote smaller amounts or numbers, as confirmed by Ludwig. It frequently appears in scientific, encyclopedic, and news-related contexts. While "fewer quantities" is more appropriate for countable items, "lesser quantities" is suitable for non-countable amounts. Use it to clearly compare amounts and indicate a reduction. Related phrases include "smaller amounts" and "reduced quantities".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fewer quantities

Synonymous, focusing on count rather than volume.

smaller amounts

Focuses on the size of the amount rather than a comparison.

reduced amounts

Highlights the action of reducing the amount.

decreased amounts

Highlights the fact that the amount has gone down.

lower volumes

Emphasizes capacity or volume rather than a general quantity.

diminished quantities

Suggests a gradual reduction over time.

limited amounts

Focuses on the restriction or boundary of the amount.

smaller proportions

Refers to relative amounts within a whole.

scarcer quantities

Emphasizes the rarity or limited availability.

lighter quantities

Implies a comparison of weight or intensity.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "lesser quantities"?

You can use alternatives like "smaller amounts", "reduced quantities", or "lower volumes" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "lesser quantities" or should I use "fewer quantities"?

While both phrases are used, "fewer quantities" is more appropriate when referring to countable items. "Lesser quantities" is generally used for non-countable or continuous amounts.

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

You can use "lesser quantities" to compare amounts. For example: "The recipe calls for greater quantities of sugar, but you can use "smaller amounts" if you prefer it less sweet."

What is the difference between "lesser quantities" and "smaller amounts"?

While similar, "lesser quantities" often implies a comparison to a larger quantity, while "smaller amounts" simply indicates a reduced amount without direct comparison.