a reduction in

USAGE SUMMARY

"a reduction in" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a decline in the quantity or amount of something. For example, "The company has seen a reduction in profits over the last quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"A reduction in the V.A.T.

The New York Times

We're seeing a reduction in crashes.

The New York Times

A reduction in skyrocketing ticket costs?

The New York Times - Arts

"This is a reduction in staff.

The Guardian

Sounds like a reduction in freedom, right?

Harvard Business Review

It has seen a reduction in the Russian stockmarket, a reduction in the rouble.

The Guardian

No other borough reported as great a reduction in 2007.

The New York Times

"Layoffs are simply a function of a reduction in programming.

The New York Times

A reduction in the fuel tax for airplanes.

The New York Times

Do not say that this is a reduction in force.

The New York Times

"We are not expecting a reduction in the coal industry.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a reduction in", clearly specify what is being reduced to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "a reduction", specify "a reduction in spending".

Common error

Avoid using "a reduction in" with overly abstract or general nouns without providing context. Saying "a reduction in things" is unclear; specify "a reduction in administrative tasks" or similar to provide clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reduction in" functions as a noun phrase that introduces the concept of diminishing or lessening something. It is followed by a noun specifying what is being reduced, creating a clear and concise way to express a decrease, as Ludwig's examples show.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reduction in" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to indicate a decrease or lessening of something. Ludwig AI highlights its usage across varied contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, ensuring clarity by specifying what is being reduced is crucial for effective communication. While "aiResponseStatus" confirms that this is correct, keep in mind that alternatives like "a decrease in" or "a decline in" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a decrease in

Indicates a general decline, synonymous with a reduction.

a decline in

Suggests a gradual worsening or lessening.

a drop in

Implies a sudden or sharp decrease.

a fall in

Similar to 'a drop', but can also imply a more general decrease.

a lessening of

Focuses on the act of making something less.

a diminishment of

A more formal way to express a reduction or decrease.

a curtailment of

Implies a restriction or cutting back.

a cutback in

Suggests a deliberate reduction, often in spending or resources.

a shrinking of

Emphasizes a decrease in size or scope.

an abatement of

Indicates a lessening of something negative, like pain or pollution.

FAQs

How to use "a reduction in" in a sentence?

Use "a reduction in" to describe a decrease in quantity, size, or intensity. For example, "There has been "a reduction in crime" in the city center."

What can I say instead of "a reduction in"?

You can use alternatives like "a decrease in", "a decline in", or "a drop in" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a reduction in" or "reduction of"?

"A reduction in" is generally used to describe a decrease within something (e.g., "a reduction in costs"). "Reduction of" can be used more broadly to describe the act of reducing something (e.g., "the reduction of waste").

What's the difference between "a reduction in" and "a decline in"?

While both indicate a decrease, "a decline in" often suggests a more gradual or negative trend, whereas "a reduction in" simply indicates a lessening. For example, "a decline in" quality is worse than "a reduction in" quantity.