a few reductions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few reductions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of decreases or diminutions in various contexts, such as pricing, quantities, or other measurable factors. Example: "After reviewing the budget, we decided to implement a few reductions in our spending to ensure we stay within our financial limits."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Among the miniature cyprinids, an example for the first case is Boraras, which, except for a few reductions, closely resembles its larger relatives of the genus Rasbora [ 29].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

In both the A-B and B-C punctuations the driving forces are only a few reductions (increases) in hydrophobic peak (hydrophilic valley) extremes, caused especially by single mutations in the 7 35 transmembrane range, softening the TM segment.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Given that efficiency will produce relatively few reductions, offsetting must be a major part of meeting the new caps.

The Washington Post

That will bring a few job reductions, with other cuts coming from noncompensation expenses.

The New York Times

Against them is a majority of the bureaucracy that wants to maintain the status quo in Israel-South Africa relations, or perhaps adopt a few token reductions, and to make the already secret relationship even more secret.

The New York Times

The result is that few reductions are ever made.

The New York Times

Few reductions he called for would be easy or politically painless.

The New York Times

Among markets with the fewest reductions today, Miami and Fort Lauderdale stand out as the two locales that also had relatively few reductions one year ago, in January 2012.

Huffington Post

It yielded windfall profits for utilities, but few reductions in emissions or investments in clean technology.

Huffington Post

Here are a few cost-reduction strategies for small businesses.

The New York Times

Tax rates in 2017 are nothing like they were in the sixties or the eighties, and there is no evidence for the outlandish claims being put forward that a few points' reduction in rates will pay for all the revenue that is lost.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few reductions", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being reduced. Specificity enhances clarity. For example, "a few reductions in staff" is more informative than simply "a few reductions".

Common error

Avoid using "a few reductions" when the diminishment is actually substantial. This phrase implies a minor change, and exaggerating its effect can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few reductions" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a limited number of decreases or diminutions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a few reductions" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase denoting minor decreases. According to Ludwig, its usage is considered correct. While relatively uncommon, with only a couple of examples found, the phrase appears in diverse sources, including science and news media. It's crucial to use it accurately, ensuring the reductions are indeed few and not substantial. For alternatives, consider "several cutbacks" or "minor decreases". Be mindful not to overstate the impact when employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several cutbacks

Emphasizes the act of cutting back, implying a deliberate reduction.

minor decreases

Focuses on the small scale of the reductions.

slight diminutions

Uses a more formal word for reductions, suggesting a subtle decrease.

limited curtailments

Highlights the restricted nature of the reductions.

a handful of cuts

Uses a more casual, colloquial term ("cuts") for reductions.

a small number of shrinkages

More literally references the contraction or shrinking of something

some lessenings

Indicates a process of making something smaller or less.

a couple of trimmings

Implies a neatening or refining process involving small reductions.

few retrenchments

More formally suggests cost-cutting measures or scaling down operations.

modest retractions

Suggests withdrawal or pulling back in certain areas, resulting in reductions.

FAQs

How can I use "a few reductions" in a sentence?

You can use "a few reductions" to describe minor decreases or cutbacks in various contexts. For example, "The company implemented "a few reductions" in its marketing budget".

What's a less formal alternative to "a few reductions"?

Less formal alternatives include "some cuts" or "a couple of decreases" depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "a few reductions"?

Yes, it would be incorrect if the actual decrease is large or significant. "A few" implies a small number, so it's inappropriate for substantial changes.

What is the difference between ""a few reductions"" and "significant reductions"?

"A few reductions" suggests minor adjustments, while "significant reductions" indicates substantial and impactful changes.