a decreasing amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decreasing amount of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a reduction in quantity or volume of something over time or in a specific context. Example: "The study showed a decreasing amount of resources available for the project as funding was cut."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

A small state with a decreasing amount of soldiers, Norway cannot solve the staffing crisis endemic in UN peacekeeping.

The Guardian - Opinion

Saunders predicted a lot more gaps as the high street struggles with a falling number of visitors with a decreasing amount of money in their pockets.

The Guardian - Business

With improved irrigation, a decreasing amount of rice is grown on fields where the crop relies totally on rainfall.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Moreover, continuous precipitate aging led to a decreasing amount of Zn in the copper clusters of the Cu/ZnO catalysts.

Journal of Catalysis

"There is not enough, and a decreasing amount, of subsidized housing in Yonkers," said Jon Shenk, executive director of the Cluster Housing Resource Center, a nonprofit housing advocacy group.

The New York Times

Ultimately it depends on the funder whether they are content with the transaction, yet it is undeniably part of a music culture using a decreasing amount of fiat money, and could further casualise music-making.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Decreased PAH activity results in accumulation of phenylalanine and a decreased amount of tyrosine and other metabolites.

Britannica

Decreased skin thickness in amphibian skin usually goes along with a decreased amount of epidermal cell layers which would imply a decreased passage length for diffusing test compounds across this skin layer [17].

Environmental Sciences Europe

*The child is not drinking fluids, or is producing a decreased amount of urine.

The New York Times - Health

XPS spectra revealed a decreased amount of carbon on the surface of the plasma-treated sample.

Thin Solid Films

A variety of surveys have also documented a decreased amount of time spent outside; it seems we are trading green time for screen time.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a decreasing amount of" when you want to emphasize a gradual reduction in something that is not easily countable. For countable items, consider using "a declining number of".

Common error

Avoid using "a decreasing amount of" with countable nouns. Instead, opt for "a declining number of". For example, say "a declining number of students" not "a decreasing amount of students".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decreasing amount of" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It indicates a reduction in the quantity or volume of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it’s grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

29%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a decreasing amount of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a reduction in the quantity or volume of something, as Ludwig AI confirms. It's most frequently found in scientific and news-related contexts. Remember to use it with uncountable nouns and consider alternatives like "a declining number of" for countable nouns. Its neutral register makes it versatile across various writing styles, though the surrounding vocabulary will ultimately dictate the level of formality. The phrase indicates a trend or state of decline.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a diminishing quantity of

Emphasizes a gradual reduction, suggesting something is becoming less over time.

a declining number of

Specifically refers to a reduction in countable items.

a reduced quantity of

Highlights the state of being lessened or made smaller.

a dwindling supply of

Suggests a resource is becoming scarce or exhausted.

a lessening degree of

Focuses on the reduction of intensity or extent.

a shrinking volume of

Emphasizes a reduction in physical space or capacity.

a contraction in the amount of

Implies a forceful or sudden reduction.

a downward trend in the quantity of

Indicates a consistent decline over a period.

a progressive decrease in the number of

Highlights a continuous and ongoing reduction.

a gradual depletion of

Suggests a slow and steady reduction until exhaustion.

FAQs

How can I use "a decreasing amount of" in a sentence?

Use "a decreasing amount of" to describe a gradual reduction in something that is typically measured or quantified, such as resources, time, or effort. For example: "There is "a decreasing amount of" water available for irrigation."

What are some alternatives to "a decreasing amount of"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a diminishing quantity of", "a reduced amount of", or "a declining number of" if referring to countable items.

Is it correct to say "a decreasing amount of students"?

No, it is more appropriate to say "a declining number of students". "Amount" is generally used for uncountable nouns, while "number" is used for countable nouns.

What's the difference between "a decreasing amount of" and "a decreased amount of"?

"A decreasing amount of" implies a continuous process of reduction, while "a decreased amount of" suggests a completed reduction at a specific point in time.