a significant decrease

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant decrease" is correct and can be used in written English.
It usually denotes that something has decreased significantly when compared to the original amount at a given time. For example, "The number of students attending this school has seen a significant decrease over the last 10 years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

After adjusting for other variables, there was also a significant decrease in deaths.

The New York Times - Health

The long-term hope is a significant decrease in the city's reliance on fossil fuels.

The New York Times

By 1970, he had noticed, with alarm, a significant decrease in astronomical visibility.

The New Yorker

They have shown we should expect a significant decrease in farm incomes.

The New York Times

They are expecting neither a significant increase nor a significant decrease in attendance this season.

The New York Times

Yet the science shows that if air pollution is addressed, there will be a significant decrease in climate emissions.

The Guardian - Opinion

The study found "a significant decrease in headache severity in the capsaicin group," but not the placebo group.

The New York Times - Health

There seems to be evidence, he says, of a significant decrease in the number of high-street brands doing so.

The Guardian - Film

"Word seems to have gotten out, and there seems to be a significant decrease in dogs and in people entering the area".

The New York Times

Drivers under the influence of ecstasy show a significant decrease in their awareness of road dangers followed by severe fatigue the following day.

The Guardian - Opinion

And when the patients were asked to divert breathing to their mouths, the researchers observed a significant decrease in brain wave coupling.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant decrease", ensure you quantify the decrease with specific numbers or percentages to provide context and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant decrease" if the reduction is minor or statistically insignificant. Always verify the magnitude and relevance of the decrease before characterizing it as significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant decrease" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence to describe a notable reduction in something. Ludwig provides many examples that confirm this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant decrease" is a versatile phrase used to describe a notable reduction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across varied contexts, especially in News & Media and Scientific domains. To enhance clarity, quantify the decrease whenever possible. Alternatives like ""a substantial reduction"" or ""a marked decline"" can be used for variety, but ensure the chosen phrase accurately reflects the magnitude of the reduction. Avoid overstating significance without supporting evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial reduction

Replaces "significant" with "substantial", indicating a considerable amount.

a marked decline

Uses "marked decline" to emphasize the noticeable nature of the reduction.

a considerable drop

Substitutes "decrease" with "drop", suggesting a more sudden reduction.

a noticeable downturn

Employs "downturn", often used in economic contexts to indicate a decline.

a sharp fall

Replaces "decrease" with "fall", implying a rapid reduction.

a major contraction

Uses "contraction", often used in the context of economic or physical size.

a palpable lessening

Employs "palpable lessening" to highlight that the decrease is easily perceived.

a clear cutback

Substitutes the phrase with "clear cutback", more informal, implying intentional reduction.

a distinct diminution

Uses "diminution", a more formal term for decrease or reduction.

a reduced amount

Replaces "decrease" with "reduced amount", focusing on the resulting quantity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a significant decrease" to describe a considerable reduction in something. For example, "There has been "a significant decrease" in crime rates this year".

What are some alternatives to "a significant decrease"?

Alternatives include "a substantial reduction", "a marked decline", or "a considerable drop", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to quantify "a significant decrease" with numbers?

Yes, providing specific numbers or percentages after stating "a significant decrease" strengthens your statement and adds clarity. For instance, "There was "a significant decrease" of 30% in reported cases".

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

"A significant decrease" indicates a notable or considerable reduction, while "a slight decrease" implies a minor or small reduction. The choice depends on the magnitude of the change.