lesser schools

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lesser schools" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to schools that are considered to be of lower quality or reputation compared to others. Example: Despite having the resources to attend top universities, John chose to attend one of the lesser schools in his state.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

They also achieved first-year grades as good as the students who went to lesser schools.

The New York Times

To these and lesser schools flocked Anglo-Saxons, Gauls, Scots, and Teutons from Britain and the Continent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Justice Scalia is worried that affirmative action means black students are sometimes "pushed ahead too fast" and suggests we should go to "lesser schools" instead.

The Guardian - Opinion

And maybe, when you take more, the number of blacks, really competent blacks, admitted to lesser schools, turns out to be less," he added.

The Guardian

"They come from lesser schools where they do not feel that they're being pushed ahead in classes that are too fast for them".

The Guardian

Justice Scalia made clear he shared this view and also suggested these "lesser schools" suffered by having minority students admitted to unsuitable elite institutions.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Some women will forgo a place at a top school for a full scholarship at a lesser school.

The Economist

If test scores in reading and math are the measure, a good school just doesn't have that much room to prove it is better than a lesser school.

The New York Times

As if any further confirmation of its greatness were needed, Eton is again proving its worth, in rising above the reputational damage a lesser school might have suffered had some of its brightest boys, carelessly left unsupervised for a number of years, committed similar acts of vandalism, then run away.

The Guardian - Opinion

It doesn't mean there might not be a world-class, creative, capable person at a lesser school, but I've got to work so much harder to find them".

Science Magazine

A gap year might be permitted; a move to a lesser school might invite being disowned.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing educational opportunities, clearly define what constitutes a "lesser school" in your context. Is it based on rankings, resources, selectivity, or other factors?

Common error

Refrain from making broad, unsupported claims about the capabilities or potential of students attending "lesser schools". Base your assessments on data and specific observations, not assumptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lesser schools" functions as a noun phrase, where "lesser" acts as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "schools". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Academic sources

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lesser schools" is used to describe educational institutions that are perceived as being of lower quality, prestige, or selectivity compared to others. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. While the term can be useful for comparison, it's important to avoid generalizations and base assessments on specific data. Alternatives such as "lower-ranked schools" or "less selective schools" may be more neutral depending on the context. When discussing educational opportunities, it's essential to clearly define the criteria used to classify a school as "lesser", whether it be rankings, resources, or other factors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Lower-ranked schools

Focuses on the ranking of schools, suggesting a hierarchical comparison based on established metrics.

Less prestigious schools

Emphasizes the perceived reputation and status of the schools.

Less well-known schools

Emphasizes the lack of widespread recognition or reputation.

Inferior schools

Directly indicates a lower quality of education or resources.

Lower-quality schools

Directly indicates a lower quality of education or resources.

Second-tier schools

Implies a categorization where schools are divided into levels of quality or selectivity.

Less selective schools

Highlights the admission standards as a differentiating factor.

Under-resourced schools

Highlights the lack of adequate funding or resources, affecting the quality of education.

Smaller schools

Focuses on the size and resources of the schools, which can sometimes correlate with perceived quality.

Regional schools

Highlights the local and the regional character of the schools, instead of national or international.

FAQs

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

You can use "lesser schools" to compare educational institutions, such as: "Students sometimes choose "smaller schools" over larger universities for a more personalized learning experience".

What is a more neutral way to refer to "lesser schools"?

Instead of "lesser schools", you might use phrases like "regional schools", "less selective schools", or ""smaller schools"" depending on the specific aspect you want to highlight.

What factors define a "lesser school"?

The criteria for defining a "lesser school" can vary, but often include factors such as rankings, funding, resources, selectivity, and reputation. Some may also consider the "regional relevance" and "smaller school size".

Is it always a disadvantage to attend "lesser schools"?

Not necessarily. While "more prestigious schools" often offer advantages in networking and resources, "lesser schools" can provide personalized attention, unique programs, and opportunities for students to excel in specific areas.