a slight decrease

USAGE SUMMARY

'a slight decrease' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a minor drop or decrease in quantity or intensity compared to the previous value. For example: There was a slight decrease in sales this month compared to last month.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By Sunday night, the 143 homicides in that city marked a slight decrease from the 145 killings a year earlier.

The Washington Post

There has been only a slight decrease in recent years.

The Washington Post

Analysts were expecting only a slight decrease, to 55.

The New York Times

Exit polls showed a slight decrease in evangelicals voting for Republicans.

The Guardian - Opinion

The latest survey has shown a slight decrease over previous years in the level of influence.

The Guardian

China, on the other hand, is set to experience a slight decrease after the 2030s.

The Guardian

He found a slight decrease in obesity among the girls and no effect among the boys.

The New York Times

power up to 800 W, followed by a slight decrease.

Surface and Coatings Technology

A slight decrease of FS was observed in this model (Table 2).

Nature

There was a slight decrease in ΔFr/Fr following the 30-minute wash period.

Nature

MORE WORK IN ENGLAND.; Unemployment Shows a Slight Decrease in March.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a slight decrease", ensure the context clearly indicates what is decreasing and the magnitude of the change. Quantify the decrease whenever possible to provide a clearer understanding of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a slight decrease" when the reduction is substantial or significant. Doing so can mislead your audience about the true extent of the change. Choose a more accurate descriptor if the decrease is noteworthy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight decrease" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a minor reduction in quantity, intensity, or degree. Ludwig examples show its common usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

34%

Science & Research

19%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slight decrease" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a minor reduction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, especially News & Media and Scientific domains. While seemingly simple, the phrase's effectiveness lies in its ability to convey a gentle reduction without overstating its importance. When writing, be mindful of the context and ensure that the decrease is, in fact, slight to avoid misleading your audience. Alternatives like "a marginal reduction" or "a minor decline" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a marginal reduction

Emphasizes that the decrease is barely noticeable or significant.

a minor decline

Indicates a decrease that is not substantial or important.

a small drop

Suggests a quick and relatively insignificant decrease.

a modest reduction

Implies a decrease that is limited in size or impact.

a negligible decline

Highlights that the decrease is so small that it's practically inconsequential.

a fractional decrease

Conveys that the decrease is only a small fraction of the original amount.

a minimal downturn

Similar to 'decline' but might suggest a temporary situation.

a gentle dip

Evokes a smooth and gradual decrease, often less severe.

a tapering off

Implies a gradual reduction, often towards an end or stabilization.

a small retraction

Suggests a pulling back or withdrawal, often in a business context.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slight decrease" to describe a minor reduction in something. For example, "There was a slight decrease in sales this quarter."

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

You can use alternatives like "a marginal reduction", "a minor decline", or "a small drop" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a slight decrease" in formal writing?

Yes, "a slight decrease" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a neutral and clear way to describe a minor reduction. More formal alternatives exist, but it is perfectly acceptable.

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

"A slight decrease" indicates a small reduction, while "a significant decrease" implies a much larger and more noticeable reduction. The choice depends on the magnitude of the change you're describing.