on a lower scale

USAGE SUMMARY

As a standalone phrase, "on a lower scale" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means that something is happening or being done on a smaller or less significant level or extent. An example sentence could be: "While the company saw great success on a national level, their efforts on a lower scale, such as in local markets, were not as profitable." This sentence means that the company achieved success on a large scale (on a national level), but their efforts on a smaller scale (in local markets) did not yield the same level of success.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

All say they must be allowed to pay wages on a lower scale to stay in business.

The New York Times

On a lower scale, it is also possible that the water could cause the erosion of the filler particle surfaces [24].

Applied Adhesion Science

Companies such as Google and Qualcomm do benefit from H-1B visas, but on a lower scale than the outsourcing firms.

Los Angeles Times

However, in obesity, the inflammatory response, which has been coined "metainflammation," is chronic and is on a lower scale than the typical classic inflammatory response.

BioMed Research International

On a lower scale, Parisi [ 99] also reported a heterogeneous pattern for narrow and broad-sense heritabilities for incremental height growth in Pinus taeda.

BMC Plant Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Gunfire could still be heard in the capital but on a much lower scale than before.

The Guardian

Many Americans say they are dedicated to the market for the long haul, and while mutual funds have been experiencing redemptions lately, they are on a much lower scale than in 1987, when that year's collapse of prices shocked investors.

The New York Times

When evaluating the MII or the impact index of an institution within a specific medical field, the value of the slope β may not be necessarily equal to 0.445 as the range of the evaluated sets of publications lies on a much lower scale.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Furthermore, Molinari and Molinari [ 2] have provided parameter estimates to calculate this index only for a large number of papers and therefore, it cannot be extended to assess the impact in e.g. specific fields where the sets of publications range on a much lower scale.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

During the last round of contract talks, the Canadian union rejected a wage system adopted by the United Auto Workers that places new workers on a lower wage scale.

The New York Times

— The United Automobile Workers union might allow carmakers to put more new workers on a lower wage scale to create more jobs and reopen idled plants, a U.A.W. official said Tuesday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a lower scale" when you want to indicate that an activity, process, or phenomenon is occurring with less intensity, scope, or frequency compared to something else. Ensure the context clearly establishes what it is being compared to.

Common error

Avoid using "on a lower scale" without providing a clear point of reference. Make sure the reader understands what is being compared to what, otherwise the phrase loses its meaning and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a lower scale" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the extent or degree to which an action or state is occurring. As Ludwig AI explains, it signifies a smaller or less significant level or extent.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on a lower scale" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate that something occurs to a lesser extent or with reduced intensity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides examples across various contexts, particularly in news, media and scientific domains. While the phrase is not overly common, its clear meaning and wide applicability make it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary. When using "on a lower scale", ensure you provide a clear point of comparison to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases such as "on a smaller scale" or "to a lesser extent" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a smaller scale

Focuses on size or extent being less.

to a lesser extent

Emphasizes the degree to which something happens.

in a more limited capacity

Highlights restrictions in ability or resources.

at a reduced level

Points out a decrease in quantity or intensity.

on a more modest scale

Emphasizes the humbleness and simplicity of something.

on a diminished scale

Highlights the decreasing aspect of something.

in a less intense manner

Focuses on a reduction in force or energy.

in a more limited way

Emphasizes the restrictions about something.

to a reduced degree

Highlights the grade that something happens.

in a scaled-down version

Emphasizes that something is a reduced representation of the original.

FAQs

What does "on a lower scale" mean?

The phrase "on a lower scale" indicates that something is happening or being done to a lesser extent, with reduced intensity, or within a more limited scope compared to something else.

How can I use "on a lower scale" in a sentence?

You can use "on a lower scale" to compare the extent or intensity of two similar events or activities. For example: "While the company operates internationally, its impact is felt "on a smaller scale" in local communities."

What are some alternatives to "on a lower scale"?

Alternatives to "on a lower scale" include "to a lesser extent", "on a smaller scale", or "at a reduced level". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "on a smaller scale" or "on a lower scale"?

Both phrases are valid, but "on a smaller scale" typically refers to physical size or scope, while "on a lower scale" refers to intensity, frequency, or degree. Depending on the context, one may be more appropriate than the other.