a small decrease in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small decrease in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a minor reduction in quantity, size, or intensity in various contexts, such as statistics, economics, or scientific observations. Example: "The study revealed a small decrease in the average temperature over the past decade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Analysts had expected a small decrease in initial claims.

The New York Times

One small study found that increasing physical activity may confer a small decrease in symptoms.

University of California, Berkeley

Those risks outweighed the drugs' benefits -- a small decrease in hip fractures and a decrease in colorectal cancer.

The New York Times

In 2007 there was an increase in the birthrate and a small decrease in the death rate.

The New York Times

The report recorded a small decrease in the economic damage done over the five years monitored in the report.

The Guardian

Since natural gas burns cleaner than coal, the result has been a small decrease in U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.

MIT Technology Review

NREM sleep is usually associated with a small decrease in Tb (~1 °C) and wakefulness is associated with an increase.

Nature

Even a small decrease in the coral's ability to construct its skeleton can leave it vulnerable to erosion.

Columbia University

But moderate consumption (1 3 cups a day) has been linked to a small decrease in risk.

Harvard University

An increase in the rib angle leads to a small decrease in tension and bending stiffness.

Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing

However, with AC, a small decrease in ρ changes the jiedaos' ranks significantly.

Cities

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small decrease in", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being measured and the relevance of the reduction. For instance, specify units or provide comparative data to highlight the significance or insignificance of the decrease.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of "a small decrease in". If the reduction is truly minor, acknowledge it as such rather than implying it has significant consequences. Be honest in your representation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small decrease in" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence or clause. It denotes a minor reduction in something, as seen in Ludwig examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

34%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a small decrease in" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a minor reduction. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and suggests that it is often used in news, science, and academic writing. When using the phrase, ensure that the context clearly identifies the element affected and the significance, or lack thereof, of the reduction. Avoid exaggerating its impact, and consider alternatives like "a slight reduction in" or "a minor decline in" for variety. In conclusion, "a small decrease in" provides a clear and effective way to communicate a minor reduction across various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight reduction in

Replaces "decrease" with "reduction" and "small" with "slight", suggesting a minor change in terminology.

a minor decline in

Substitutes "decrease" with "decline" and "small" with "minor", indicating a subtle shift in vocabulary.

a marginal drop in

Replaces "decrease" with "drop" and "small" with "marginal", implying a minimal amount of reduction.

a modest lessening of

Replaces "decrease" with "lessening" and "small" with "modest", suggesting a tempered or gentle decrease.

a negligible dip in

Substitutes "decrease" with "dip" and "small" with "negligible", emphasizing the insignificance of the reduction.

a diminutive fall in

Replaces "decrease" with "fall" and "small" with "diminutive", highlighting the tiny or minute aspect of the decrease.

a trivial decrement in

Replaces "decrease" with "decrement" and "small" with "trivial", underscoring the unimportance of the reduction.

a limited downturn in

Substitutes "decrease" with "downturn" and "small" with "limited", suggesting a restricted or confined decrease.

a hairline slippage in

Replaces "decrease" with "slippage" and "small" with "hairline", painting a visual picture of a very fine and barely perceptible decrease.

a fractional reduction of

Substitutes "decrease" with "reduction" and "small" with "fractional", highlighting the partial nature of the reduction.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small decrease in" to describe a minor reduction in quantity, size, or intensity. For example: "The study showed a small decrease in the number of errors after the training session".

What are some alternatives to "a small decrease in"?

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

Is it always necessary to quantify "a small decrease in" with specific numbers?

While not always necessary, quantifying "a small decrease in" with specific numbers provides clarity and context, allowing your audience to better understand the magnitude and significance of the reduction.

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

"A small decrease in" indicates a minor reduction, while "a significant decrease in" suggests a more substantial and noteworthy reduction. The choice depends on the actual magnitude and impact of the decrease being described.