lesser rate

USAGE SUMMARY

"lesser rate" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when discussing a smaller amount, scale, or degree of something as compared to another. For example, "The lesser rate of speed allowed us to finish the project in the timeframe we needed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

In subscriptions, 84,725 at full rate, 10,031 at lesser rate.

The Guardian

A second settlement – with the UK agreeing to a lesser rate of interest on the claim – was reached, but again rejected in a plebiscite a year later.

The Guardian - Business

"Although the majority of investors will be active in 2010, it will be at a lesser rate than in recent years," the study said.

The Guardian - Business

But Dr. FitzGerald said that problems seen in bypass patients might also occur, though at a lesser rate, in patients with less cardiovascular risk.

The New York Times

Although subsequent growth continued at a lesser rate, by the early 21st century the metropolitan population exceeded 11 million, of which nearly half resided in the suburbs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Media stocks continued to fall, albeit at a lesser rate than Friday, with Sky down almost 3%, Daily Mirror owner Trinity Mirror down 10%, Daily Mail down almost 4% and WPP off 2.3%.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Troy Aikman, whose analysis remains too conventional, would have had a lesser rating.

The New York Times - Sports

To my mind, that superior rating demands periodic re-examination and re-justification in a way that a lesser rating doesn't.

The New York Times

An online petition advocating a lesser rating was signed by some 475,000 people, and the effort was supported by celebrities like Justin Bieber, Meryl Streep and Drew Brees.

The New York Times

But I'd be hard pressed to give a lesser rating to the pie I had at the elegant Pier House, where you can sit outside at night and watch the passing boats.

The New York Times - Travel

Lesser rates of application (10 and 100 mg/kg) were included in the assessment.

Environmental Sciences Europe

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two rates, clearly specify what each rate refers to. For example, instead of saying "the lesser rate", say "the lesser interest rate on the mortgage".

Common error

Avoid using "lesser rate" when you actually mean "lower rating". Rate refers to a numerical value or measure, while rating refers to a qualitative assessment or classification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lesser rate" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to describe a comparative degree of some quantifiable value. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's used to express that one rate is smaller or lower than another. The provided examples support this usage, showcasing its applicability across diverse topics.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lesser rate" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a smaller or reduced rate compared to another. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous sources confirms its validity across different contexts, particularly in news, science and business. While synonyms like "lower rate" and "reduced rate" exist, understanding the specific context will guide the most appropriate choice. The phrase is suitable for formal and neutral registers, ensuring clarity and effective communication when comparing different quantifiable values.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lower rate

Simple synonym, directly replacing "lesser" with "lower".

reduced rate

"Reduced" emphasizes the action of decreasing the rate.

smaller rate

Focuses on the size or magnitude of the rate.

decreased rate

"Decreased" implies a change from a previous higher value.

diminished rate

"Diminished" suggests a gradual reduction.

slower pace

Implies a reduction in speed or tempo rather than a numerical rate.

milder pace

Similar to "slower pace" but suggests gentleness or less intensity.

inferior rate

Implies the rate is not only lower but also of poorer quality.

negligible rate

Suggests the rate is so small it's almost insignificant.

tamer rate

Suggests a reduction in intensity or wildness of the rate.

FAQs

What does "lesser rate" mean?

The phrase "lesser rate" refers to a smaller, lower, or reduced amount, degree, or frequency of something. It's used to compare two different rates, indicating one is smaller than the other.

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

You might say, "The company offered a "reduced rate" for early adopters" or "The tumor grew at a "slower pace" after the treatment began".

What is a synonym for "lesser rate"?

A common synonym for "lesser rate" is "lower rate". Other alternatives include "reduced rate" or "smaller rate".

Is it correct to say "lesser rate" or should I use another phrase?

"Lesser rate" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. Whether it's the best choice depends on the specific context. Consider alternatives like "lower rate" or "reduced rate" for similar meaning.