to a lesser extent — less so / qualifying
expressionC1IELTS 7+formaloccasional
Used to show that something is true, but not as much as something else just mentioned; it qualifies or reduces the strength of a previous statement.
Say it like a native
Textbook This is also true, though to a degree that is comparatively smaller.
Native It's true here too, though to a lesser extent.
'To a lesser extent' is the standard qualifier; the long version is clumsy.
Pattern: [main idea], and to a lesser extent, [secondary idea]
In use
- Most people rely on their phones for communication, and to a lesser extent, for entertainment.daily life
- I believe education shapes a person's future, mainly through academic learning and, to a lesser extent, through extracurricular activities. While both are important, the academic side usually has a bigger impact on career opportunities.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ to a less extent
✓ to a lesser extent
Use the comparative 'lesser', not 'less', in this fixed phrase.
Common collocations
to a lesser extent— and, also, though, but
Don't confuse it
Compare with 'to some extent', which means 'partly' but does not imply comparison; 'to a lesser extent' always compares two things, showing one is less significant.