a modest decrease

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest decrease" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or moderate reduction in quantity, size, or degree. Example: "The report indicated a modest decrease in sales compared to the previous quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Shutting down properties may lead to a "modest" decrease in revenue, but the company's margins will improve, he added.

TechCrunch

So there is only a modest decrease in penalties between the 1975 1981 and 1992 2001 cohorts.

IZA Journal of Migration

Correspondingly, the reactance first remains constant and then shows a modest decrease as the sound amplitude increases.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Furthermore, inundation with cool water decreased skin temperatures more quickly than the clothing insulating case and led to a modest decrease in the burn extent.

Burns

At a given temperature, increasing pressure resulted in a modest decrease in the rate of NO removal, with little effect on the amount of NO2 and N2O formed.

Combustion and Flame

And although there has only been a modest decrease during this period of 1% in the total number of German biotech companies, 32 have gone bankrupt.

Science Magazine

Many scientists have questioned whether the cull is practical or able to deliver more than a modest decrease in cattle TB rates.

BBC

In economic news, the January report on existing home sales revealed a modest decrease to 4.89 million from a revised reading of 4.91 million in December.

Forbes

In fact, a modest decrease in copying fidelity was observed.

Plosone

A modest decrease at the editing level of BLCAP was observed during neuronal differentiation (29.2% 23.6%).

Plosone

A dose-response experiment was performed (Figure 2B). 1 µM cyclopamine induced a modest decrease in cell proliferation.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a modest decrease", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is decreasing and by how much. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a modest decrease" when the reduction is actually significant. Overstating the impact can mislead the reader and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest decrease" functions as a noun phrase that describes a reduction. It combines the indefinite article "a" with the adjective "modest" and the noun "decrease" to indicate a limited or slight reduction, as confirmed by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

78%

News & Media

14%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modest decrease" is a commonly used phrase that describes a small or slight reduction. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. When writing, use "a modest decrease" to accurately represent minor reductions, avoiding overstatement. Alternatives such as "a slight reduction" or "a small decline" can provide similar meaning. Ensure clarity by specifying the degree or percentage of the reduction whenever possible to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight reduction

Focuses on the small scale of the decrease; emphasizes minimal impact.

a small decline

Highlights a downward trend that is not substantial.

a marginal drop

Underscores that the decrease is barely noticeable.

a limited reduction

Stresses the constrained nature of the decrease.

a mild decline

Similar to "slight", indicating gentle decrease.

a nominal decrease

Suggests the decrease is so small it's almost insignificant.

a negligible reduction

Implies the decrease is unimportant or without consequence.

a tempered decline

Highlights that the decline is controlled or restrained.

a subtle decrease

Emphasizes the difficulty in noticing the reduction.

a fractional reduction

Pinpoints the small portion that was reduced.

FAQs

How can I use "a modest decrease" in a sentence?

You can use "a modest decrease" to describe a slight reduction or decline in something. For instance, "The company reported "a modest decrease" in profits this quarter."

What are some alternatives to saying "a modest decrease"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a slight reduction", "a small decline", or "a marginal drop". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to quantify "a modest decrease" with a percentage?

Quantifying the decrease with a percentage or specific number often adds precision and clarity. For example, "There was "a modest decrease" of 5% in energy consumption."

What's the difference between "a modest decrease" and "a significant decrease"?

"A modest decrease" implies a small, relatively unimportant reduction, while "a significant decrease" indicates a notable and impactful reduction. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the magnitude of the change.