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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
a insignificant decrease
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "a insignificant decrease" is not correct in English.
It should be "an insignificant decrease." You can use it when describing a reduction that is too small to be considered meaningful or important. Example: "The study showed an insignificant decrease in the number of errors after the new training program was implemented."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
60 human-written examples
Subsequently, an increase of more than approximately 2 MHz foF2 was observed during a 3-day period with an insignificant decrease in hmF2.
Science
This effect collapses once we include observed individual and job characteristics: the same increase in the immigrant share is now associated with an insignificant decrease in average wages, whereas a 10 percentage point rise in the share of female workers is related to a 1.9%% drop in wages.
Science
The results from the integrated T2DM study analysis showed that colesevelam had a minimal impact on HDL-C levels, i.e., patients aged <65 years had an insignificant decrease whereas those ≥65 years had an insignificant increase in HDL-C levels.
Science
There was also a trend toward improved motion in all other directions except for an insignificant decrease in postoperative pronation in the repair group.
Academia
In the warm period an IQR increase in the CA5 of Tappmax was associated with an insignificant decrease of 4%9595% CI: 3%; 14%) in AMI admissions (Table 3), and after adjusting for PM10, NO2 and CO the decrease remained insignificant and was 4%, 7% and 5% respectively (Table 4).
Post hoc analysis in separate groups revealed that in all groups accuracy significantly increased from the first to the second block of MRT, followed by an insignificant increase from the second to the third block and an insignificant decrease from the third to the fourth block.
Selectivity to 1,2-PDO had an insignificant decrease from 89.9% for Ir monometallic catalyst to 83.1% for IrNi2_C catalyst.
Science
RESULTS: SAE in trauma patients resulted in an insignificant decrease in mean spleen size from 224 cm(3) to 190 cm(3) (P =.222).
Academia
According to the ALADIN model, on 83 % of the arable land an insignificant decrease (−5 to 0%%) in wind erosion hazard is projected.
In addition, the girls' subsample showed a significant increase of headache frequency from wave one to two (p < 0.001; d = 0.12), with an insignificant decrease in wave three (p = 0.104) and another significant increase in wave four (p = 0.004; d = 0.45).
Whereas in the case of Ni/TiO2 (R) spent catalysts, we observed an insignificant decrease in Ni dispersion and almost the same Ni particle size when compared to Ni/TiO2 (R) fresh catalysts which might be caused by high metal-support interactions.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When aiming for formal writing, quantify how insignificant the decrease is, or use the proper statistical terms.
Common error
Avoid using "a" before "insignificant"; the correct form is "an insignificant decrease" because 'insignificant' begins with a vowel sound.
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
1.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase functions as a modifier (insignificant) plus a noun (decrease) describing the extent of reduction. As Ludwig AI points out, the correct form is "an insignificant decrease".
Frequent in
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Less common in
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Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "a insignificant decrease" is grammatically incorrect; it should be "an insignificant decrease". As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is used to describe a reduction that is too small to be considered meaningful or important. While the phrase itself is valid, remember to correct the article. The lack of examples indicates the expression is not very common. Alternatives include "a minor decrease" or "a negligible decrease".
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
a negligible reduction
Replaces 'insignificant' with 'negligible', emphasizing the small and unimportant nature of the decrease.
a slight decline
Uses 'slight' to describe the small size of the decrease and replaces 'decrease' with 'decline'.
a marginal decrease
Emphasizes that the decrease is just barely over the limit.
a minor reduction
Replaces 'insignificant' with 'minor', indicating a small and not very important reduction.
a trivial decrease
Uses 'trivial' to convey that the decrease is so small it's not worth considering.
a modest decrease
Replaces 'insignificant' with 'modest', suggesting the decrease is limited in scope or effect.
a statistically insignificant decrease
Adds 'statistically' to specifically denote that the decrease is not significant in statistical terms.
a barely perceptible decrease
Highlights the difficulty in noticing or measuring the decrease.
a nominal decrease
Indicates the decrease is so small it's only so in name, not in effect.
an imperceptible decline
Uses 'imperceptible' to describe that decrease is nearly impossible to perceive or detect, and decline instead of decrease.
FAQs
What is the correct way to say "a insignificant decrease"?
The correct phrasing is "an insignificant decrease". The article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.
What does "an insignificant decrease" mean?
It means that there has been a reduction, but the reduction is so small that it is not important or meaningful.
What are some alternatives to saying "an insignificant decrease"?
You can use alternatives like "a negligible reduction", "a slight decline", or "a minor reduction" depending on the context.
How do I use "an insignificant decrease" in a sentence?
Example: "The new policy resulted in "an insignificant decrease" in customer complaints."
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
1.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested