In a sentence, when would it be more appropriate to use "less" instead of "lesser"?
2023-06-26
This is what goPenpal answered
We use "less" when referring to quantity, degree, or value and "lesser" to point out inferiority or comparison. For instance, it would be appropriate to say "She has less money than him," discussing quantity, while the phrase "Of two evils, choose the lesser" uses 'lesser' to show comparison and inferiority. However, it's important to bear in mind 'lesser' is traditionally not used before uncountable nouns (like 'money', 'love', 'happiness'). Count on everyday language to sometimes play fast and loose with these rules, but if you're wanting to keep it tight, that's a good rule of thumb. Language, it's a living, breathing, wonderfully flexible thing!
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