a decrease in the population

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decrease in the population" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing changes in the number of individuals in a specific population, such as in demographic studies or environmental reports. Example: "The recent data indicates a significant decrease in the population of the endangered species over the last decade."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

This is due to a decrease in the population of surface VOx species.

Catalysis Today

One study links some of these changes to a decrease in the population growth rates of the northern California Chinook Salmon.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"Each time the state had the authority to cull wolves, we found a decrease in the population growth of wolves", said Professor Treves in a statement.

Forbes

More and more floods will inundate various parts of the planet, and global temperature will fluctuate wildly, resulting in a decrease in the population of sea creatures and fauna.

Huffington Post

Construction of reservoirs for Liverpool Corporation in the mid-19th century led to a decrease in the population when farms were cleared, the valley flooded and property in the western part of the village demolished.

Wikipedia

Furthermore, a decrease in the population of cells transitioning from a memory to effector state (i.e. CCR7−CD27+IL7-Rα− cells) was also observed in Inf patients.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Our results also highlight the fact that land abandonment in Central and Eastern Europe is not necessarily as beneficial for biodiversity as it is commonly believed and it may even lead to a decrease in the populations of several bird species in the agricultural landscape.

Biological Conservation

At Santa Catalina Island, a 20-year warming trend has resulted in an increase in the horn shark population and a decrease in the swellshark population.

Wikipedia

Paclitaxel treatment of native ZR75-1 cells resulted in a significant increase in the G2/M population from 18%to72%2% and a decrease in the G1 population from 48%to11%1%.

BMC Cancer

The generation of the CD14+ population was correlated with a decrease in the CD1a+ population, without any statistical differences between the two clones.

British Journal of Cancer

While in the ZR75-1 25PACR cells there were minimal changes in the G2/M population from 20%to30%0%, there was a decrease in the G1 population of cells from 59%to28%8%.

BMC Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "a decrease in the population", specify the population you are referring to (e.g., "a decrease in the bird population", "a decrease in the urban population") for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a decrease in the population" without providing context. Always specify which population is decreasing to prevent ambiguity and ensure the statement is meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decrease in the population" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that this expression is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

22%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a decrease in the population" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase to describe a reduction in the number of individuals within a specific group. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, ranging from scientific reports to news articles. While alternatives like "population decline" and "population reduction" exist, it's crucial to specify the population being discussed to avoid ambiguity. It is also important to consider that in different contexts, subtle variations, such as a decline in population density instead of a decrease of population, can be more informative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

population decline

Omits the article and preposition, creating a more concise noun phrase.

population reduction

A more concise term omitting the article and preposition.

a reduction in population size

Replaces "decrease" with "reduction" and specifies "size" for clarity.

a drop in the number of inhabitants

Uses "drop" instead of "decrease" and specifies "inhabitants" to refer to people.

a fall in population levels

Substitutes "decrease" with "fall" and uses "levels" instead of "population".

a shrinking population

Employs the verb "shrinking" to describe the population.

declining population numbers

Focuses on the "numbers" of the population declining.

a dwindling population

Emphasizes a gradual and continuous decrease using "dwindling".

a depletion in the population

Uses "depletion" suggesting a significant reduction.

a contraction in population

Replaces "decrease" with "contraction", implying a reduction in size or extent.

FAQs

How can I use "a decrease in the population" in a sentence?

You can use "a decrease in the population" to describe a reduction in the number of individuals in a specific group. For example: "The study found "a decrease in the population" of honeybees due to pesticide use."

What's a more concise way to say "a decrease in the population"?

Alternatives include "population decline" or "population reduction", which are shorter and often used in formal contexts.

What's the difference between "a decrease in the population" and "a decrease in population density"?

"A decrease in the population" refers to a reduction in the total number of individuals. "A decrease in population density", on the other hand, refers to a reduction in the number of individuals per unit area.

Is it more appropriate to say "a decrease in the population" or "a decline in the population"?

Both "a decrease in the population" and "a decline in the population" are acceptable. "Decline" often implies a more gradual and sustained reduction than "decrease".