of lower grade

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of lower grade" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is of a lesser quality or rank compared to something else. Example: "The materials used in this construction project are of lower grade, which may affect the overall durability of the building."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

It may even mean the substitution of lower grade ingredients.

The New York Times

It takes more water and energy to get copper out of lower grade ore.

The Guardian

This model could lead to diagnosis of lower grade cancers in BRCA2 carriers.

Nature

Gorovets, D. et al. IDH mutation and neuroglial developmental features define clinically distinct subclasses of lower grade diffuse astrocytic glioma.

Nature

With the tendency of world ore deposits to be deeper and of lower grade, block caving is becoming an increasingly important mining method.

Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology

Changes of the traditional screen structure is shown, the use of them increases the screening process efficiency and passage intensity of lower grade of bulk material to the sieve.

Archives of Civil and Mechanical Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

A lot of institutions have been picking up a lot of lower-grade candidates through softening and no one knows".

The Guardian

Here we analyzed molecular alterations during malignant progression of lower-grade gliomas using our own large sample that included 24 paired samples of primary and recurrent tumors.

Nature

The disposal of mill tailings is a major environmental problem that is becoming more serious with the increasing exploration for metals and the working of lower-grade deposits.

Wills' Mineral Processing Technology An Introduction to the Practical Aspects of Ore Treatment and Mineral Recovery

The disposal of mill tailings is a major environmental problem, which is becoming more serious with the increasing exploration for metals and the working of lower-grade deposits.

Wills' Mineral Processing Technology An Introduction to the Practical Aspects of Ore Treatment and Mineral Recovery

3. Russia contains an unnervingly under-policed stockpile of atomic warheads, 603 metric tons of nuclear material suitably enriched for terrorist bomb-making, and mountains of lower-grade radioactive garbage.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "of lower grade", be specific about what "grade" refers to. For instance, specify if you're talking about the grade of a material, a student's grade, or the grade of a medical condition.

Common error

Avoid using "of lower grade" without context, as the meaning of "grade" can vary. Always clarify the grading system or criteria you are referencing to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of lower grade" primarily functions as an adjectival prepositional phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it is of a lesser quality or rank. This is supported by Ludwig examples where it describes the grade of materials, ores, and tumors.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "of lower grade" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase to indicate something is of lesser quality or rank. Ludwig's analysis shows that it is most frequently used in scientific and news contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what "grade" refers to. Although Ludwig AI confirms its validity, consider the formality of your context and whether alternatives like "of inferior quality" might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

of inferior quality

Replaces "grade" with "quality", emphasizing a general lack of excellence.

of lesser quality

Similar to "of inferior quality", but with a slightly milder tone.

of a lower standard

Uses "standard" instead of "grade", focusing on adherence to established criteria.

of reduced quality

Emphasizes the act of quality decreasing from a higher level.

of poorer quality

Directly contrasts with better or higher quality.

of diminished quality

Highlights the reduction or lessening of quality.

of a lower caliber

Uses "caliber" to suggest a measure of capability or worth.

of second-rate quality

Implies a ranking just below the top level of quality.

substandard quality

Directly points to a failure to meet minimum quality requirements.

of compromised quality

Suggests that the quality has been negatively affected or weakened.

FAQs

How can I use "of lower grade" in a sentence?

You can use "of lower grade" to describe something that is of a lesser quality or rank compared to something else. For example, "The materials used in this construction project are of lower grade, which may affect the overall durability of the building."

What are some alternatives to using "of lower grade"?

You can use alternatives like "of inferior quality", "of lesser quality", or "of a lower standard" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "of lower grade" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, consider the specific context. In highly formal settings, alternatives like "of inferior quality" or "substandard quality" might be more suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "of lower grade" and "lower-grade"?

"Of lower grade" typically functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun, while "lower-grade" functions as a compound adjective. For example, "the ore is of lower grade" versus "the lower-grade ore". The hyphenated version is used attributively, directly preceding the noun it modifies.