lesser than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lesser than" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used in comparisons to show that one thing is lesser in amount, size, or degree than another. For example, "The amount drawn by the company was lesser than the budgeted sum."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Don't feel LESSer THAN; I did, too.

The New York Times

Some banks permit this, as floating rates are comparatively lesser than the fixed interest rates.

WikiHow

'Brundibar' is not lesser than anything".

The New York Times - Books

Half, by definition, implies lesser than.

The New York Times

"Brundibar" is not lesser than anything.

The New York Times - Books

I am lesser than many of my contemporaries.

Independent

Visually, do you think "Family Guy" is lesser than Matt Groening's "Simpsons"?

The New York Times - Magazine

Nonetheless we don't expect lesser than citizens of the UK in Northern Ireland.

The Economist

Maybe birds are lesser than mammals, maybe not–I'm not qualified to discuss their relative merits.

The New York Times

Contracting an amount lesser than the average consumption for the entire voyage, at a contract price lesser than the average spot price is found to be beneficial.

European Journal of Operational Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This soon-to-be majority does not want to be handed lesser-than-two-evils choices.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For formal writing, ensure your sentence is clear and concise. Avoid unnecessary words when indicating a comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "lesser than" when comparing uncountable nouns; use "less" instead. For example, it's more accurate to say "less water" than "lesser than water".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lesser than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to indicate that one thing is smaller, lower, or of less significance compared to another. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a grammatically correct comparative expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lesser than" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative phrase. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it correctly indicates that one entity is smaller, lower in status, or of less importance compared to another. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, its usage spans various registers while maintaining a neutral tone. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in comparisons and avoid common errors such as misuse with uncountable nouns. Consider alternatives like "smaller than" or "inferior to" for nuanced expression. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively incorporate "lesser than" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

smaller than

Focuses on physical size or numerical quantity.

lower than

Highlights a lower position or amount on a scale.

inferior to

Emphasizes a lower quality or status.

below

Indicates a position underneath or a level beneath.

not as much as

Emphasizes a smaller quantity or degree in a more explicit way.

to a lesser extent than

Emphasizes the degree of difference with more formality.

of less significance than

Focuses on the relative importance or impact.

not quite as

Offers a softer, less direct comparison.

a shade under

Suggests a very small difference in amount or degree.

somewhat below

Indicates a position slightly lower.

FAQs

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

Use "lesser than" to compare two things where one has less of a particular quality or quantity. For example, "The impact of the new policy was "smaller than" expected".

What's the difference between "less than" and "lesser than"?

"Less than" is generally used to compare quantities, while "lesser than" often describes qualities or abstract concepts. However, "less than" can be used with both countable and uncountable nouns, while "lesser than" is generally used to suggest that something has reduced quality or importance. "Five is "less than" ten" (quantity) vs. "A minor offense is "lesser than" a felony" (severity).

When should I use "fewer than" instead of "lesser than"?

Use "fewer than" when referring to countable items or quantities. For example, "fewer than 20 students" is correct. "Lesser than" is generally used for abstract concepts or non-countable qualities. Therefore, it's better to say, there were "fewer than" 10 apples in that basket, rather than using lesser than.

Are there formal alternatives to "lesser than"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "to a "smaller extent"", "of reduced significance", or "inferior to" for a more formal tone.