the lower of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the lower of" is not correct and usable in written English without additional context.
It may be used in comparative contexts, typically when referring to a lower value or position among options. Example: "Please choose the lower of the two prices offered for the service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is actually the lower of several estimates quoted.

The Guardian

Carlos Fernandez from Spain (West) led the club queen, the lower of two touching honors.

The New York Times

The lower of your quotes – £244 – will be met, plus £25 as a goodwill gesture.

The Guardian - Money

So total quantity demand is 1 -P where P is the lower of the two prices.

Yale University

Depending on the accounting method you have chosen, you may value this inventory at the lower of cost or market.

The New York Times

And I'll say this and then write it more carefully, where P is the lower of the two prices.

Yale University

The lower of the two thresholds was used in the following stage, as the intensity of presented stimuli.

Nature

The Americans provoked the assault by entrenching on Breed's Hill, the lower of two hills overlooking the British position.

Britannica

In 1992, even the lower of these rates proved far too tough.

The Economist

AOL's shares of Amazon will be priced at the lower of $15.28 or the average price of the next five trading days for Amazon.

The New York Times

I tried to insert the edge of my pinky finger into the lower of the two screws but succeeded only in tearing the nail.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing values, ensure the context clearly defines what is being compared. For example, "Choose "the lower of" the two interest rates to minimize your loan costs."

Common error

Avoid using "the lower of" without specifying what two or more items are being compared. For example, instead of saying "The price will be "the lower of,"" specify "The price will be "the lower of" the appraised value or the purchase price."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the lower of" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically used to identify the minimum value or position when comparing two options. Ludwig shows its utility in various contexts, such as finance, science, and general descriptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the lower of" is a determiner phrase used to specify the minimum value or position when comparing two options. Ludwig highlights its versatility across news, science, and academic contexts. The phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted, though clarity is essential: always specify the items being compared. For similar expressions, consider alternatives like "the lesser of" or "the minimum of". The phrase exhibits a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the lesser of

Synonymous and nearly interchangeable, focusing on a smaller quantity or degree.

the minimum of

Emphasizes the absolute lowest value, applicable in mathematical or quantifiable contexts.

the smaller of

Directly refers to physical size or numerical value being less than another.

the least of

Highlights the minimal amount or importance among several items.

whichever is less

Indicates a conditional choice based on which option has a smaller value.

the lower limit of

Specifically denotes a boundary or threshold that represents the minimum acceptable value.

the floor of

Implies a minimum level or baseline, often used in financial or statistical contexts.

the inferior of

Focuses on the lower rank or quality of the two.

the bottom of

Relates to hierarchical levels or a physical bottom position.

the nadir of

Refers to the lowest point reached, often used in abstract or metaphorical senses.

FAQs

How do I use "the lower of" in a sentence?

Use "the lower of" when you're presenting two or more options and need to specify that the smallest or least valuable among them is the one being chosen or considered. For example, "The settlement amount will be "the lower of" $10000 or the actual damages incurred."

What's an alternative to using "the lower of"?

Depending on the situation, you can use alternatives like "the lesser of", "the minimum of", or "whichever is less" to convey a similar meaning. For example, instead of "the lower of", you could say "the "lesser of"" in most contexts.

Which is correct, "the lower of" or "the lowest of"?

"The lower of" is used when comparing two items, while "the lowest of" is used when comparing three or more items. If you have only two options, "the lower of" is the appropriate choice.

Is it always necessary to specify the items being compared when using "the lower of"?

Yes, clarity is essential. Always specify what is being compared when using "the lower of". For instance, instead of just saying "We'll take "the lower of,"" specify "We'll take "the lower of" the two estimates."