of lesser consequence than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of lesser consequence than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the importance or significance of two different things, indicating that one is not as important as the other. Example: "While the budget is important, the timeline is of lesser consequence than the quality of the final product."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I can't say that the way I'm portrayed is of no consequence, but it's of lesser consequence than the music itself.

The New York Times

How long Harris's record would stand a challenge from other contemporary runners, such as Walter Payton of the Chicago Bears or Tony Dorsett of the Dallas Cowboys, seems to be of lesser consequence than the mere fact that he has survived 11 years to reach within striking distance of Brown.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Ordinary Roman citizens who were neither senators nor equites were of lesser consequence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

SHOUTS & MURMURS account of business transactions in which the narrator was shortchanged and his quest for closure of various sorts, in relationships and matters of lesser consequence.

The New Yorker

It seems the myth survives in our culture still, that a young girl's worth, measured against that of a great man, may be of lesser consequence.

The New York Times

The belief, for example, that beauty products are of lesser import than high science.

Huffington Post

After 8 minutes of playing this game, participants associated each color with greater or lesser consequences, and successfully avoided more of the costly missiles.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

A helicopter crashed that day, too, though with lesser consequences.

The New Yorker

Indeed, these variables were of lesser importance than the attributes of the burned habitat.

Forest Ecology and Management

Political parties are of lesser importance than personalities in Nauruan politics.

Britannica

He writes "plums" while considering them of lesser quality than rhyming poetry.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "of lesser consequence than", ensure that the comparison is clear and that the relative importance of the two items being compared is evident to the reader. For example, "While meeting the deadline is important, the budget is "of lesser consequence than" delivering a high-quality product."

Common error

Avoid using "of lesser consequence than" when the items being compared are not truly comparable or when the difference in importance is negligible. Overusing this phrase can also weaken your writing. Consider alternative expressions when the distinction is slight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of lesser consequence than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It indicates that one element is of reduced importance or significance when compared to another. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "of lesser consequence than" is a grammatically sound comparative phrase used to indicate that one thing is less important or significant than another. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, though its occurrence is relatively rare. Predominantly found in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, it serves to establish a hierarchy between subjects. For alternatives, consider "less important than" or "not as significant as", depending on the desired tone and context. Be mindful of the comparative context to avoid misuse and ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

of lower priority than

This alternative directly replaces "consequence" with "priority", focusing on the order of importance.

less important than

A more straightforward and common way to express that something has reduced importance.

not as significant as

Focuses on the level of significance or impact rather than consequence.

of minor importance compared to

Emphasizes the comparison and uses 'minor importance' to convey a weaker significance.

subordinate to

Suggests a hierarchical relationship where one thing is under the authority or control of another.

secondary to

Indicates something is second in order or rank, implying reduced importance.

pale in comparison to

Uses a metaphorical expression to highlight the stark difference in importance.

overshadowed by

Suggests that one thing is hidden or less noticeable due to the prominence of another.

of diminished relevance to

Focuses on the reduced connection or pertinence of something.

outweighed by

Highlights the greater weight or importance of something else in a decision or evaluation.

FAQs

How can I use "of lesser consequence than" in a sentence?

Use "of lesser consequence than" to indicate that one thing is not as important or significant as another. For example, "Personal feelings are often "of lesser consequence than" objective facts in legal proceedings."

What are some alternatives to "of lesser consequence than"?

Alternatives include "less important than", "not as significant as", or "of lower priority than". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "of lesser importance than" or "of lesser consequence than"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Of lesser importance than" might be slightly more common and easier to understand, but "of lesser consequence than" can add a more formal or weighty tone.

What is the difference between "less important than" and "of lesser consequence than"?

While similar, "less important than" is a more direct and simpler way to express that something has reduced importance. "Of lesser consequence than" is more formal and emphasizes the impact or outcome. You can choose the one depending on register and context.