a decrease in particle size

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decrease in particle size" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in scientific or technical contexts, particularly when discussing materials, chemistry, or physics. Example: "The experiment resulted in a decrease in particle size, which improved the material's reactivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Particle size distributions of the fuel show a decrease in particle size with time.

Chemical Engineering Science

This effect is enhanced by an increase in macroinitiator hydrophilicity and a decrease in particle size.

Polymer

Nanoparticles of ZnO and MgO also have revealed that with a decrease in particle size, antibacterial activity increases [41, 42].

International Nano Letters

This can be explained by an increase in the perimeter area of gold particles with a decrease in particle size.

Catalysis Today

The percentage of fluoride adsorbed increased with a decrease in particle size of the adsorbent from >4.75 to <0.075 mm (Fig. 1d).

Applied Water Science

The observed dissolution of magnetite particles was also supported by particle size analysis via µXRD showing a decrease in particle size over time (Additional file 1: Table S2).

Geochemical Transactions

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

The use of carbon coating generally results in an improved cycling stability and a decrease in particles size.

Electrochimica Acta

There was a rapid decrease in particle size with increasing hydrostatic pressure, with a measured average of 40 50 nm after 10,000 psi (Figure 5).

Plosone

Mainardes and Evangelista [14] found that an increase in the organic phase concentration led to a slight decrease in particle size; conversely, Tan and Nakajima [2] and Chu et al. [19] reported an increase in particle size with increasing organic phase concentrations.

Chemistry Central Journal

The results also showed that the addition of DMAB resulted in a slight decrease in particle size.

Nanoscale Res Lett

CV indicates the formation of [110] and [100] steps and AFM points to a strong decrease in particle size.

Electrochimica Acta

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing experimental results, quantify "a decrease in particle size" with specific measurements (e.g., from 100 nm to 50 nm) to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a decrease in particle size" always leads to a desired outcome. The effects can be context-dependent, and unintended consequences like aggregation or altered surface properties may occur. Always analyze specific conditions and materials.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decrease in particle size" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing a phenomenon or a result in scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a decrease in particle size" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase primarily used in scientific and technical contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately describes the reduction in the physical dimensions of particles. When using this phrase, remember to quantify the decrease whenever possible and be aware of potential unintended consequences. Consider alternatives like "particle size reduction" or "a reduction in particle diameter" for varied expression. This phrase is most frequently found in scientific literature, highlighting its formal and technical nature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

particle size reduction

Directly indicates the action of making particle size smaller, focusing on the process.

reduced particle size

Emphasizes the state of having been made smaller.

a reduction in particle diameter

Specifies 'diameter' as the measured dimension, adding a degree of precision.

diminishing particle size

Uses 'diminishing' to convey a continuous process of size reduction.

smaller particle dimensions

Focuses on the resulting attribute of the particles being smaller.

a decline in particle fineness

Highlights the fineness aspect, relating size to the quality of being fine.

contraction of particle size

Uses contraction to refer to the process of shrinking particle size.

a lessening of particle size

Uses the term 'lessening' to describe the reduction in size.

a downsizing of particle size

More casual term, focuses on the particles becoming smaller.

a compression of particle size

Focuses on the act of pressing the particles together making the space smaller.

FAQs

How does "a decrease in particle size" affect material properties?

A decrease in particle size can significantly affect material properties such as increased surface area, enhanced reactivity, improved dissolution rates, and altered mechanical strength. The specific effects depend on the material and application. Ludwig contains many examples showing different materials where you can appreciate these effects.

What instruments are used to measure "a decrease in particle size"?

Common instruments include dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and laser diffraction. Each method offers different capabilities in terms of size range and resolution.

What's the difference between "particle size reduction" and "a decrease in particle size"?

While both terms describe the same phenomenon, "particle size reduction" often refers to the process of making particles smaller, whereas "a decrease in particle size" describes the state or result of that process. The interchangeability depends on context, but "a decrease in particle size" can be replaced by "particle size reduction" when emphasizing the method.

In what contexts is "a decrease in particle size" particularly important?

This concept is crucial in various fields, including pharmaceuticals (drug delivery), catalysis (reaction rates), materials science (mechanical properties), and environmental science (pollutant removal). In these areas, controlling particle size allows researchers and engineers to optimize the performance of systems or materials.