though lesser than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "though lesser than" is not standard in written English and may sound awkward to some readers.
It can be used when comparing two things, indicating that one is of lower quality or importance than the other. Example: "The new model is impressive, though lesser than its predecessor in terms of features."

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This argument also supports the highest antioxidant activity of the pulp which contains the highest contents of vitamin A and C and a substantial quantity, though lesser than leaves, of vitamin E. The seed extract, which contains higher vitamin C than stem, root leaves, stands at the second place as far as the antioxidant activity is concerned.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Certainly his serve and forehand were never at their most venomous or paralysing, though lesser players than Federer might have wilted.

The Guardian - Sport

Though lesser known than evangelical leaders like the Rev. Pat Robertson and the Rev. James C. Dobson, Mr. Smith was influential for his liturgical innovations, for the cultivation of a new generation of prominent preachers and for the introduction of pop culture into the evangelical movement's vernacular.

The New York Times

He would prefer to invest in a developed country, where though the population is lesser than in underdeveloped countries, the people are prosperous and there is a definite demand.

Wikipedia

Boundary conditions other than periodic may still be treated with reasonable, though lesser, efficiency.

Journal of Computational Physics

PHF was observed to possess noticeable anti-inflammatory activity, though the activity was comparatively lesser than the positive control (diclofenac).

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

[Mother, Mayurbhanj] ASHA didi asked me a share on transportation reimbursement, though what I received was lesser than my actual spending.

BMC Health Services Research

Given that similar, though lesser, outbreaks have occurred in the past, the current epizootic could be perfectly natural, nothing more than a particularly dangerous strain of a virus.

The New Yorker

Similar results were also obtained for poly NIPAAm) though the extent of accumulation was somewhat lesser than observed for the ELP.

Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews

Even though the quantity of the leachate is lesser than other wastewaters, its contents are extremely hazardous (Al-Hamadani et al. 2011).

Applied Water Science

These observations were also confirmed in ARO cells, even though the extent of fold activation was lesser than in HEK293 cells because of a lower transfection efficiency (data not shown).

BMC Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "though lesser than", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being compared. The phrase implies a noticeable difference in degree or quality, so make sure this is evident to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "though lesser than" when the difference is negligible or insignificant. This phrase should only be used when there is a clear and meaningful distinction between the items being compared.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "though lesser than" functions as a conjunction phrase that introduces a clause expressing a contrast or concession. It indicates that while something possesses a certain quality, it does so to a smaller degree than something else. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically acceptable, yet potentially awkward.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "though lesser than" is a phrase used to indicate that something is smaller or of lower quality compared to something else. Ludwig AI marks this as grammatically acceptable but suggests it may sound awkward. It appears in various contexts like science, news, and encyclopedias, indicating a neutral to slightly formal register. Consider using alternatives such as "although smaller than" or "even if not as great as" for improved clarity and flow. Ensure that the comparison is meaningful when employing this phrase to avoid misinterpretations. Use "though lesser than" when a clear, nuanced comparison is intended, and be mindful of the potential for more elegant phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

although smaller than

Replaces "lesser" with "smaller", focusing on physical size or quantity.

while smaller than

Uses "while" instead of "though", indicating a simultaneous condition.

even though less than

Replaces "lesser" with "less", simplifying the phrase.

although less significant than

Replaces "lesser" with "less significant", highlighting importance or impact.

while less important than

Highlights a contrast in importance.

even if less than

Focuses on the comparative quantity or amount.

even if not as great as

Emphasizes the difference in greatness or quality.

albeit smaller than

Replaces "though" with the more formal "albeit".

although not as much as

Indicates a difference in quantity or degree.

albeit not as significant as

Uses "albeit" to introduce a contrast in significance.

FAQs

How can I use "though lesser than" in a sentence?

Use "though lesser than" to show a comparison where one thing has less of a quality or quantity than another. For example, "The sequel was enjoyable, "though lesser than" the original film".

What are some alternatives to "though lesser than"?

Alternatives include "although smaller than", "although less significant than", or "even if not as great as", depending on the specific context.

Is "though lesser than" grammatically correct?

While grammatically acceptable, "though lesser than" might sound slightly awkward. More common and stylistically smoother alternatives might be preferred in formal writing.

When is it appropriate to use "though lesser than"?

It's appropriate when you want to acknowledge a similarity but also highlight a clear difference in quality or quantity. However, consider whether a more common phrase would improve clarity and flow.