a decreasing number of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a decreasing number of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe any situation in which the amount of something has gone down. Example sentence: Over the last year, there has been a decreasing number of customers visiting the store.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Another reason to read "The Giving Tree": a new study finds a decreasing number of children's books depicting nature.

The New Yorker

He is one of a decreasing number of prelates appointed before 1978 when the current Pope, John Paul II, was elected.

The New Yorker

Aviation workers' unions have expressed concern, though, that a decreasing number of airlines would mean far fewer jobs and would turn the industry into an anticompetitive cartel.

The New York Times

However, a decreasing number of rainy days is detected almost over the entire basin.

Journal of Hydrology

The rate increased with a decreasing number of chlorine substituents on the ethylene.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

From north to south across the permafrost area in North America, a decreasing number of wedges crack frequently.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The message emerging from Scenario 11 is threefold: a decline in the demand for gasoline, consumer resistance to price increases, and a decreasing number of service stations.

Harvard Business Review

Networks with the larger average distance between consecutive sites resulted in a decreasing number of optimally monitored compounds.

Science of The Total Environment

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"It looks to me like a decreased number of runbacks played a role.

The New York Times

Placentomal fusion was common, resulting in increased size and a decreased number of placentomes.

Theriogenology

A decreased number of tumors was also detected in the colon of Ap4-deficient ApcMin mice when compared with Ap4-wild-type ApcMin mice (Supplementary Fig. 2a).

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a decreasing number of", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is decreasing and why it matters. Providing specific examples or data points can strengthen your argument.

Common error

Ensure that the noun following "of" is plural and countable. "A decreasing number of water" is incorrect; you should use "a decreasing amount of water" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decreasing number of" functions as a determiner phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating a reduction in the quantity of something countable. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a decreasing number of" is a grammatically sound and versatile way to describe a reduction in a countable quantity. According to Ludwig, it’s suitable for various contexts, particularly in science, news, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "a falling number of" or "a declining number of" exist, ensure the noun you modify is countable and plural. Avoid using it with non-countable nouns, where "a decreasing amount of" is more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a falling number of

This alternative uses "falling" which emphasizes the dynamic process of reduction.

a shrinking number of

Replaces "decreasing" with "shrinking", suggesting a contraction in size or quantity.

a declining number of

Uses "declining" which implies a gradual reduction, often in a negative context.

a reducing number of

"Reducing" directly indicates the action of making something smaller in number.

a diminishing number of

"Diminishing" suggests a gradual decrease until little remains.

a smaller number of

Expresses the concept of a reduced quantity using "smaller".

a lessening number of

This option replaces "decreasing" with "lessening", highlighting the reduction in quantity or intensity.

a dwindling number of

This variant replaces "decreasing" with "dwindling", emphasizing a gradual and continuous reduction until very little remains.

a drop in the number of

This alternative uses "drop" to signify a decrease, focusing on the change rather than the state.

a slump in the number of

This variant uses "slump" to indicate a sudden and significant decline, often in a negative context.

FAQs

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

Use "a decreasing number of" to indicate that the quantity of something countable is reducing. For example: "There's "a decreasing number of students" enrolling in that course each year".

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

You can use alternatives such as "a falling number of", "a shrinking number of", or "a declining number of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "a decreasing number of" or "fewer"?

"A decreasing number of" is suitable for general use. "Fewer" is a more concise and grammatically precise alternative for countable nouns, particularly in formal writing. For example: "Fewer students are enrolling".

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

"A decreasing number of" is used for countable items (e.g., "a decreasing number of cars"), while "a decreasing amount of" is used for non-countable substances (e.g., "a decreasing amount of water").