on a lesser note

USAGE SUMMARY

"on a lesser note" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means that the speaker is about to transition to a less important or less relevant topic than the one they were just discussing. For example: "The new highway construction will have a positive economic impact on the region. On a lesser note, it has also caused disruption to local businesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

On a lesser note, though, the structure of the programme, its weird segues and silly stunts, often made me think, "Hang on, would you ask Simon Schama to do that?" Would anyone ask Lucy Worsley to pitch a tent in the shape of a severed neck to arouse punter interest in the plight of Anne Boleyn?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Stop on a good note!

WikiHow

Mr. Scott was convicted on a lesser charge of assault.

The New York Times

Dortmund does the same, on a lesser budget.

The New York Times - Sports

Can the U.S. impose its will on a lesser opponent?

The New York Times

While a lesser political discussion might end on a negative note, this one ends with a goodnight kiss.

Huffington Post

MONTREAL (AP) — The Montreal Canadiens got offense from some of their lesser-known talents to enter their 100th year on a winning note.

The New York Times - Sports

A LESSER talent might have ended with that grand flourish, but a virtuoso knows to close on a subtler note.

The New York Times

As Denby notes, "A lesser man, receiving such adoration, might have gone on repeating himself forever".

The New Yorker

On a positive note!

Independent

On a similar note..

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a lesser note" to smoothly transition to a less critical aspect of your argument or narrative, ensuring your audience understands the shift in importance.

Common error

Avoid using "on a lesser note" to introduce information that is actually crucial to your overall message. The phrase signals reduced importance, so ensure your subsequent point aligns with this.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a lesser note" functions as an adverbial phrase, specifically a discourse marker. It serves to signal a transition in a conversation or text, indicating that the speaker or writer is about to introduce a point that is less significant or of secondary importance compared to what was previously discussed. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on a lesser note" is an adverbial phrase used to signal a transition to a less important point. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable. While predominantly found in news and media, it sees some use in wikis and scientific contexts. It has a neutral register and serves the purpose of managing the flow of information by indicating a shift in focus, establishing the relative importance of different points. Consider using related phrases such as "on a similar note" or "as an aside" for variety, but ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a similar note

Indicates a connection to the previous topic, albeit not central.

as an aside

Highlights a digression from the main discussion.

of minor importance

Directly states the lower significance of the following information.

in a related vein

Indicates a shift to a related but not identical topic.

parenthetically

Introduces information that is supplementary and could be removed without affecting the core meaning.

secondarily

Highlights the lower priority or relevance of the point.

by the way

Introduces a tangential or slightly unrelated thought.

in passing

Mentions something briefly and not as a primary focus.

incidentally

Signals a somewhat unexpected or secondary point.

tangentially speaking

Relates to the main topic but is not directly connected.

FAQs

How can I use "on a lesser note" in a sentence?

"On a lesser note" is typically used to introduce a point that is related to the main topic but less important or significant. For example, "The company's profits are up significantly this quarter. On a lesser note, employee satisfaction has also seen a slight increase."

What are some alternatives to saying "on a lesser note"?

You can use alternatives like "on a similar note", "as an aside", or "incidentally" to introduce a related but less important point.

Is it appropriate to use "on a lesser note" in formal writing?

Yes, "on a lesser note" can be used in formal writing, but use it judiciously. Ensure the context warrants downplaying the significance of the information you are introducing. Consider alternatives like "of minor importance" for a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "on a lesser note" and "on a related note"?

"On a lesser note" indicates that the following information is less important, while "on a related note" simply indicates that the information is related to the previous point without necessarily being less important. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the reduced significance or just the connection.