lower than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'lower than' is correct and usable in written English.
The phrase is typically used to compare two items in terms of a quality or quantity. Here is an example sentence: The temperature outside was lower than expected.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Probably lower than usual.

The New Yorker

lower than on Monday.

The Economist

That was lower than expected.

The New York Times

That's lower than today.

The New York Times

scores nearly six points lower than normal.

The New Yorker

His polls are lower than ever.

The Economist

This is much lower than previous estimates.

The Economist

Nothing lower than a European newsperson.

The New Yorker

There is nothing lower than that".

The Economist

That is much lower than previous estimates.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

XD Electric's lower-than-expected I.P.O.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lower than" to accurately compare values, ranks, or qualities, avoiding ambiguity in your comparison.

Common error

Ensure that what you are comparing is explicitly stated. Avoid vague comparisons where it is unclear what the subject is "lower than".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lower than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, used to indicate that something has a lesser value, degree, or position compared to something else. Ludwig provides numerous examples from reliable sources showcasing its function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Reference

4%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lower than" is a versatile and grammatically sound comparative phrase used to express that something is less in value, degree, or position compared to another. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. When using "lower than", ensure clarity in your comparison, avoiding ambiguity by explicitly stating what is being compared. Common errors involve vague comparisons where the subject and object are not clearly defined. Remember to use the phrase in a precise and explicit context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less than

This alternative uses fewer words to convey the same comparative meaning.

below

This alternative offers a more concise way to express a lower position or level.

inferior to

This alternative uses a more formal adjective to indicate a lower status or quality.

not as high as

This alternative is a more descriptive way of indicating a lower value or amount.

smaller than

This alternative focuses on quantitative differences in size, number, or amount.

underneath

This alternative emphasizes the physical positioning of being below something else.

subordinate to

This alternative suggests a hierarchical structure where one thing is ranked lower than another.

secondary to

This alternative suggests a lower importance or priority compared to something else.

not exceeding

This alternative focuses on setting an upper limit that is not reached.

diminished compared to

This alternative suggests a reduction or weakening in relation to a previous state or standard.

FAQs

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

Use "lower than" to compare two items indicating that one has a lesser value, quantity, or quality. For example, "The cost was "cheaper than" expected".

What are some alternatives to "lower than"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "less than", "below", or "inferior to".

Is it correct to say "lesser than" instead of "lower than"?

While "lesser than" is sometimes used, "lower than" is more common and generally preferred when comparing numerical or quantifiable values. "Lesser than" is often used for abstract concepts.

What's the difference between "lower than" and "below"?

"Lower than" is used for direct comparisons, while "below" can indicate a position or level. For example, "The temperature is lower than yesterday" versus "The cabin is below sea level".