To degrade

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "To degrade" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of lowering the quality, value, or dignity of something or someone. Example: "The constant criticism began to degrade her self-esteem over time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To degrade the capacity may have an impact on police.

BBC

To degrade cellulose, many organisms produce cellulases.

Chemical Reviews

I have been told to degrade capability".

The New Yorker

They can also cause plastics to degrade.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The adhesives don't seem to degrade".

The New York Times - Science

They always try to degrade us".

The Guardian

China is using this to degrade Taiwan".

The New York Times - Arts

"It's not going to be easy to degrade.

The New Yorker

Bataille rarely mentions love except to degrade it.

The Guardian - Books

The machine is supposed to use superconductors to degrade gravity.

The New York Times

By financing people to fight and try to degrade Syria".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "To degrade", consider the specific context. Choose it when you want to convey a reduction in quality, value, or status, especially when something is being actively diminished or lowered.

Common error

While "To degrade" is acceptable, in highly formal or technical writing, consider more precise alternatives like "To diminish", "To deteriorate", or "To reduce" for greater clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "To degrade" functions primarily as an infinitive verb phrase, often used transitively to describe the action of lowering something in quality, value, or status. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English. The examples showcase its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "To degrade" functions as an infinitive verb phrase signifying a reduction in quality, value, or status. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage across diverse domains, particularly science and news. While generally acceptable in formal writing, being precise is vital. Alternatives include "to diminish" or "to deteriorate". Remember its negative connotation when writing, and avoid overuse in highly formal contexts. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively use "To degrade" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

To deteriorate

Emphasizes a decline in quality or condition over time.

To diminish

Focuses on reducing in size, extent, or importance, rather than necessarily lowering in quality or status.

To debase

Highlights the lowering of moral character or quality.

To cheapen

Suggests reducing the perceived value or worth.

To impair

Focuses on weakening or damaging something.

To undermine

Implies weakening something gradually or subtly.

To corrupt

Suggests moral decay or perversion.

To spoil

Emphasizes the ruining of something's original condition.

To tarnish

Highlights the loss of luster or reputation.

To erode

Focuses on gradual wearing away or destruction.

FAQs

How can I use "To degrade" in a sentence?

You can use "To degrade" to describe the process of something becoming lower in quality, value, or social status. For example, "Pollution can "degrade the environment"" or "The scandal served "to degrade his reputation"".

What are some alternatives to "To degrade"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to diminish", "to deteriorate", "to debase", or "to cheapen".

Is it appropriate to use "To degrade" in formal writing?

Yes, "To degrade" is generally appropriate, but ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning. In some contexts, more precise terms might be preferable for clarity.

What is the difference between "To degrade" and "to demean"?

"To degrade" implies a reduction in quality, value, or status, while "to demean" specifically refers to lowering someone's dignity or standing, often through humiliation.