a progressive lessening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a progressive lessening" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual decrease or reduction in something over time. Example: "The study observed a progressive lessening of symptoms in patients who underwent the new treatment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

There are a relative absence of mental activity, a progressive lessening in the use of inner resources, and a retreat to simpler or stereotyped forms of behaviour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The early works of Rembrandt van Rijn, painted in Leiden (1625 31), show a progressive lessening of the influence of Lastman, and Rembrandt, together with his associate Jan Lievens, evolved an increasingly Baroque style, with strong contrasts of light and shade derived from the "Caravaggists".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Interestingly, though maximal at the earliest time point, the perivascular infiltration paralleled the time course of the diffuse infiltration of the tissue with a progressive lessening until D14.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

A delayed and sustained release of VEGF was observed in the sensitized knees, and a 10-fold increase by D1 was followed by a progressive lessening until D14.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Successfully embedding any such enterprise into contemporary health services will demand a concurrent shift in organisational ethos, such that the implementation of confidentiality frameworks and procedures is seen as a progressive and valid initiative to lessen reliance on individual competences and attitudes.

BMC Psychiatry

A progressive is someone who makes progress".

The New Yorker

And why, one might ask, since President Bush has worked so hard to lessen the progressiveness of our tax system, does he suddenly want to create a "progressive" pension system?

The New York Times

George Soros, a progressive billionaire, backs progressive causes.

The Economist

I'm a progressive Democrat".

The New Yorker

& established a progressive social democracy.

The New Yorker

That adds a progressive twist.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a progressive lessening", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being reduced and over what timeframe. Clarity is key to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "a progressive lessening" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler phrases like "a gradual decrease" or "things are getting better slowly" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a progressive lessening" functions as a noun phrase that describes a gradual reduction or decrease. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English, supporting its grammatical function as a descriptor of a process.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

News & Media

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a progressive lessening" is a grammatically sound and relatively formal way to describe a gradual decrease or reduction. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not as common as other similar phrases, it is appropriate for scientific, academic, and professional contexts. Consider alternatives like "a gradual decline" or "a steady reduction" for broader appeal, and be mindful of the context to avoid sounding overly formal. The phrase is more frequently found in science and encyclopedia sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a progressive reduction

This alternative replaces "lessening" with "reduction", keeping a high degree of similarity.

a gradual decline

Emphasizes a slow and steady decrease, similar to "a progressive lessening".

a steady reduction

Highlights the consistent nature of the decrease, maintaining a close semantic relationship.

a continuous decrease

Focuses on the uninterrupted nature of the decline.

an incremental decrease

Highlights the small steps in the overall reduction.

a phased reduction

Suggests a decrease happening in stages, adding a specific nuance.

a progressive weakening

Weakening focuses on a loss of strength or power.

a gradual attenuation

Attenuation emphasizes a weakening or reduction in force or intensity.

a diminishing trend

Implies a pattern of decrease over time, suitable for statistical contexts.

a steady erosion

Erosion implies a wearing away over time, suitable in certain contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "a progressive lessening" in a sentence?

You can use "a progressive lessening" to describe a gradual reduction or decrease in something over time. For example: "The study showed "a progressive lessening" of symptoms."

What are some alternatives to "a progressive lessening"?

Alternatives include "a gradual decline", "a steady reduction", or "a continuous decrease" depending on the specific context.

Is "a progressive lessening" formal or informal?

The phrase "a progressive lessening" tends to be more formal and is often found in scientific, academic, or professional writing, rather than in casual conversation.

What's the difference between "a progressive lessening" and "a gradual decrease"?

While both phrases indicate a slow reduction, "a progressive lessening" might imply a more consistent and measurable decline, whereas "a gradual decrease" is a more general term for something decreasing slowly.