to a less extent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to a less extent" is not correct; the correct form is "to a lesser extent." You can use it when comparing the degree or level of something in relation to another, indicating that one is not as significant or impactful as the other.
Example: "The new policy will benefit employees, but to a lesser extent, it will also affect management."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Furthermore, strong, local nonlinearities may to a less extent affect the numerical algorithm.

Journal of Computational Physics

Turbidity production was significantly increased in reactors fed molasses and to a less extent Cerelose™.

Aquacultural Engineering

In contrast to Blake, Philby and Burgess – and to a less extent Maclean – suffered from nostalgia for Britain.

The Guardian

Significantly (p < 0.005 at least) different roughness values were found for DLMF vs MA, DLMF vs T and, to a less extent, MA vs T surfaces.

Surface and Coatings Technology

The mechanical properties of sand: stiffness, cohesion and, to a less extent, friction angle can be increased through the process of grouting.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

However, operating under continuous flow (0.8 1.9 Pa) or stagnant water had a significant effect on biofilm formation: in stagnant waters, biofilm grew to a less extent.

Water Research

It is concluded that dissolved BC consists primarily of small aromatic clusters substituted by carboxylic groups, and by phenolic groups to a less extent.

Carbon

In fact, the DPs are impaired relative to the control group with both upright and inverted faces and to a less extent also with upright and inverted cars.

Neuropsychologia

Similarly urban drainage and storage upgrade may also reduce the risks of flooding on site, albeit to a less extent compared to rural improvements.

Journal of Hydrology

A similar relationship also holds for the projection target data, but to a less extent.

Brain Informatics

On average, the number of passengers decreases most significantly in September and to a less extent in August and February.

Journal of Big Data

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for grammatical precision, replace "to a less extent" with the grammatically correct "to a lesser extent" or "to a smaller degree".

Common error

Avoid using "less" when "lesser" is grammatically required. "Less" is typically used with uncountable nouns, while "lesser" is used as an adjective to describe the degree or extent of something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to a less extent" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the degree to which an action or state is true. Despite Ludwig AI's identification of this phrase as incorrect, its frequent usage makes it important to understand.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

88%

News & Media

8%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "to a less extent" is frequently used across various domains, especially in science and news media, it is considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI suggests that the correct phrasing is "to a lesser extent" or "to a smaller degree". When writing, consider the level of formality required and prioritize grammatical accuracy to maintain credibility. Although widespread, using the correct alternative will improve clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to a smaller degree

Replaces "extent" with "degree", which is a direct synonym, maintaining the same structure and meaning.

to a lesser degree

Uses "lesser" instead of "less", correcting the grammatical error while retaining the original meaning.

to a reduced extent

Substitutes "less" with "reduced", indicating a diminished impact or scope.

to a diminished degree

Emphasizes a reduction in impact or importance by using "diminished".

to a minimal extent

Highlights the slight or insignificant nature of the impact.

to a slighter extent

Uses "slighter" to convey a minor or barely noticeable impact.

not as much

Simplifies the phrase to a more direct and concise expression of reduced impact.

less significantly

Focuses on the reduced significance or importance of something.

to a more limited extent

Emphasizes that the impact is restricted or confined.

to a lower degree

Indicates a decrease in intensity or level.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "to a less extent"?

The correct phrase is "to a lesser extent". "Lesser" is the correct adjective to use in this context.

Is "to a less extent" grammatically correct?

No, "to a less extent" is grammatically incorrect. The proper phrasing is "to a lesser extent".

What does "to a lesser extent" mean?

"To a lesser extent" means something happens or is true, but not as much as something else being compared to it. It indicates a smaller degree or impact.

Can I use "to a smaller degree" instead of "to a less extent"?

Yes, "to a smaller degree" is a suitable alternative. It conveys the same meaning of something occurring with reduced intensity or scope.