"less time" vs "lesser time"

Question

"less time" vs "lesser time"

Both 'less time' and 'lesser time' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Less time' is the more common and natural choice when comparing amounts of time, while 'lesser time' is less common and usually used in a more formal or literary context.

Last Updated: March 24, 2024

Use 'less time' when comparing amounts of time or when indicating a smaller quantity of time.

Examples:

I have less time to finish the project than I thought.
She spent less time studying this semester.
He needs less time to complete the task.
Less time was spent on administrative tasks this week.
The meeting took less time than expected.

Alternatives:

a shorter amount of time
a reduced amount of time
a smaller amount of time
a diminished amount of time
a lesser amount of time

Use 'lesser time' in a more formal or literary context when referring to a smaller amount of time.

Alternatives:

a smaller amount of time
a reduced amount of time
a diminished amount of time
a lesser amount of time
a shorter amount of time

Answer 1

less time

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

lesser time

This phrase is correct but less common in everyday usage.

"less time" vs "lesser time"

less time

lesser time

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