Reduce

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Reduce" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of making something smaller or less in amount, degree, or size. Example: "To improve efficiency, we need to reduce our energy consumption."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It benefited from Amec's positivity on the oil and gas sector, and also from news that Nomura had moved from reduce to neutral and raised its price target on Weir from £14 to £18.50.

The Guardian - Business

Ms. Coronado estimated that this Summers effect would reduce domestic economic growth by 0.5 to 0.75 percentage point over the next two years, which could reduce job creation by 350,000 to 500,000 jobs.

The New York Times

They could be compensated through some kind of rebate, or a cut in other taxes; it's been proposed, for example, that revenues from a carbon tax could be used to reduce the payroll tax.

The Economist

When it starts to boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

The Guardian

In November 2011 Gloucestershire library users won a high court judicial review against Gloucestershire County Council's (GCC's) plans to close 10 static libraries and all mobile libraries, and reduce opening hours and services at many more, with Judge McKenna quashing the council's plans entirely.

The Guardian - Books

Related: Spy agencies fund climate research in hunt for weather weapon, scientist fears Like so many military experiments, these trials failed but cloud seeding became a reality in 1967/8 when the US's Operation Popeye increased rainfall by an estimated 30% over parts of Vietnam in an attempt to reduce the movement of soldiers and resources into South Vietnam.

The Guardian

Walmart was cited for achieving its commitment to reduce packaging across its global supply chain by 5%, and for its goal of increasing its use of postconsumer recycled plastic in products and packaging by 3bn lbs by 2020.

The Guardian

It will obsess the British political class and reduce Britain's already damaged reputation in the EU to zero.

The Guardian

All sides agreed that diversionary feeding (scattering dead chicks on the moorlands – room service for harriers) was a good way to reduce nesting hen harriers' predation of grouse.

The Guardian

A second way to reduce the impact of harriers on grouse – a method of forced migration known as brood management – proved more contentious.

The Guardian

However, this is not an alternative to good password policies such as using 1Password, LastPass or similar to generate and save passwords to reduce the risk from brute force attacks and similar.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, use "Reduce" with specific measurable targets. For instance, "Reduce energy consumption by 15%" provides a clear goal.

Common error

Avoid using "Reduce" without specifying what is being reduced and by how much. Vague statements like "We need to reduce costs" lack impact. Instead, provide context: "We need to "reduce operational costs" by streamlining processes".

Linguistic Context

The word "Reduce" primarily functions as a verb, denoting the action of making something smaller, less intense, or lower in quantity. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is a versatile verb applicable in various contexts to describe a decrease or diminution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Reduce" is a versatile verb used to express the act of lessening or decreasing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and highly prevalent across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, its use in specific, measurable objectives often lends a professional air. Alternatives like "diminish", "decrease", and "lessen" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. To maximize clarity, specify what is being reduced and by how much. Ludwig's examples effectively highlight the broad applicability of "Reduce" in contemporary writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Decrease

Refers to making something smaller in size, amount, or intensity.

Lessen

Suggests a reduction in degree, extent, or intensity.

Diminish

Implies a gradual lessening or weakening of something.

Lower

Indicates a decrease in level, amount, or value.

Cut back

Implies a deliberate reduction, often in spending or resources.

Scale down

Suggests reducing the size or extent of something proportionally.

Contract

Indicates a shrinking or reduction in size or scope.

Thin out

Suggests reducing the density or number of items in a group.

Abridge

Means to shorten something, usually a text, while retaining its main points.

Subdue

Implies bringing something under control or reducing its intensity.

FAQs

How can I use "Reduce" in a sentence?

You can use "Reduce" to describe the action of making something smaller or less. For example, "We aim to "reduce emissions"" or "Reduce the risk by implementing safety measures".

What are some alternatives to the word "Reduce"?

Alternatives include "diminish", "decrease", "lessen", and "lower depending on the context".

Is it better to say "Reduce" or "Minimize"?

"Reduce" generally means to make something smaller, while "Minimize" means to make something as small as possible. The best choice depends on whether you want to lessen something or make it the smallest possible amount. They are interchangeable in some context but not always.

What's the difference between "Reduce" and "Cut back"?

"Reduce" is a general term for making something smaller. "Cut back" often implies a more forceful or deliberate reduction, especially in spending or resources. For example, "We will "reduce our carbon footprint"" versus "We need to "cut back on expenses"".