the lesser of + two things
Choosing between two options
This fixed phrase compares two undesirable or contrasting choices.
We chose the lesser of the two expenses.
lesser of, in, for, on, or to?
Lesser is most commonly used before a noun or in fixed phrases such as the lesser of two evils. Some prepositions belong to larger expressions rather than directly following lesser.
Quick answer
Which prepositions are used with lesser?
Lesser commonly appears in the phrase lesser of. Lesser to is also possible in comparisons. In, for, and on usually introduce separate phrases rather than fixed combinations with lesser.
It was the lesser of two risks.
The damage was lesser to the eastern side of the building.
He played a lesser role in the sequel.
They focused lesser on cost and more on quality.
The damage was lesser to the eastern side of the building.
He played a lesser role in the sequel.
They focused lesser on cost and more on quality.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
lesser to + degree or extent
Making a comparison
To can appear in formal comparisons showing a smaller extent.
The effect was lesser to previous estimates.
lesser role in + activity
Describing smaller importance
In introduces the field or activity where something has reduced importance.
Technology plays a lesser role in this process.
lesser emphasis on + topic
Describing reduced attention
On introduces the topic receiving less attention.
The report places lesser emphasis on short-term profits.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
lesser of
This seems the lesser of two evils.
A fixed expression comparing two negative choices.
lesser in
She had a lesser role in the project.
In introduces the area or activity.
lesser for
He was none the lesser for his mistakes.
An old-fashioned literary expression meaning not reduced in value.
lesser on
The campaign focused lesser on advertising.
Less common than placing less emphasis on something.
lesser to
The risk was lesser to the northern region.
Formal or uncommon comparative wording.
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using lesser instead of less in ordinary comparisons
Less is usually preferred before adjectives and adverbs.
✕ The task became lesser difficult. ✓ The task became less difficult.Using lesser on in unnatural comparisons
English more naturally uses less emphasis on or focus less on.
✕ They were lesser on quality checks. ✓ They placed less emphasis on quality checks.Confusing lesser with smaller
Lesser often refers to importance, degree, or status rather than size.
✓ He accepted a lesser position at the company.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. It was the lesser ___ two problems.
2. She had a lesser role ___ the final season.
3. The report placed less emphasis ___ costs.
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Frequently asked questions
Is lesser of a fixed phrase?
Yes. The lesser of two evils is a common fixed expression.
Can I say lesser to?
It is possible in formal or uncommon comparisons, but less than or smaller than is often more natural.
Is lesser for common in modern English?
No. It mainly appears in literary or old-fashioned expressions such as none the lesser for.
Related preposition guides
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