a reduced number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reduced number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a smaller quantity or amount of something compared to a previous state or expectation. Example: "After the budget cuts, we are left with a reduced number of staff members in the department."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With a reduced number comes reduced visibility.[2].

WikiHow

A reduced number of bishops - The number of Church of England bishops would be cut from 26 to 12.

BBC

Results give a reduced number of excited modes.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Liquor will be sold at the festival by a reduced number of vendors.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, Japan plans to catch a reduced number of minke whales: 333, instead of 1,000.

The Guardian

He said logic implied that a reduced number of sharks meant less chance of attack.

The Guardian

In contrast, microglia assays resulted in a reduced number of CFU.

Nature

In contrast, only a reduced number of sera recognized the D664 residue within the 2F5 epitope.

Nature

The possibility of supporting a new generation of Tridents with a reduced number of missiles and submarines was left open.

The Guardian

Where I am we're looking after a reduced number of farms holding more stock, say 400 to 500 cattle".

The Guardian

Some universities plan to maintain a reduced number of counsellors, but others are sending students to local NHS services.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a reduced number", ensure it's clear what the number is reduced from. Provide context for comparison to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a reduced number" with uncountable nouns; use "a reduced amount" instead. "Number" is for countable items, while "amount" is for substances or concepts that cannot be individually counted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reduced number" typically functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, indicating a smaller quantity than previously or typically expected. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment and is evident in examples showing reduced staff, vendors, or whales.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reduced number" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a smaller quantity than before. As Ludwig AI confirms, it fits well in various contexts, particularly science, news, and business. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what the number is reduced from and avoid using it with uncountable nouns. Remember that accurate, professional, and academically suitable language should always be a priority when expressing reduction in numbers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a smaller quantity

Replaces "number" with the more general term "quantity".

a lower amount

Substitutes "number" with "amount", suitable for uncountable nouns.

a decreased quantity

Uses "decreased" instead of "reduced" to convey the same meaning.

a diminished amount

Employs "diminished" as a synonym for "reduced", adding a slightly more formal tone.

a curtailed number

Replaces "reduced" with "curtailed", implying a more abrupt or forceful reduction.

a limited number

Focuses on the restriction in quantity rather than the act of reduction.

a restricted quantity

Similar to 'a limited number', it emphasizes the constraint on the amount.

a dwindling number

Suggests a gradual decrease over time, adding a sense of ongoing reduction.

a shrunken quantity

Uses "shrunken" to convey a visual image of the reduction in size or amount.

a pared-down number

Implies a careful and deliberate reduction to essential elements.

FAQs

How can I use "a reduced number" in a sentence?

You can use "a reduced number" to describe a decrease in quantity. For example, "Due to budget cuts, we now have "a reduced number" of employees."

What's the difference between "a reduced number" and "a smaller number"?

"A reduced number" implies a decrease from a previous amount, whereas "a smaller number" simply indicates a quantity that is not large. Both can be used interchangeably in many contexts, but the former suggests a change over time or due to a specific cause.

What can I say instead of "a reduced number"?

You can use alternatives like "a smaller quantity", "a lower amount", or "a decreased number" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a reduced number of" followed by a singular noun?

No, "a reduced number of" should always be followed by a plural noun. For singular, uncountable nouns, use "a reduced amount of" instead.