a smooth decrease in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a smooth decrease in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a gradual reduction in a quantity or value over time, often in contexts like economics, statistics, or physical phenomena. Example: "The data showed a smooth decrease in temperature as the sun set."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The noontime EEJ strength shows a smooth decrease in D-season up to December and a gradual increase from January, approaching the equinoctial maximum of daily variation (Figure 6).

Earth, Planets and Space

Stations with no initial positive signature show a smooth decrease in the H component which could be due to MI signatures only associated with the two consecutive negative impulses.

Earth, Planets and Space

The disordered phases (Fd-3m) show a mixed "solid solution - two phase" behaviour accompanied by a smooth decrease in the unit cell volume during charging over the two redox steps involved, Ni2+/Ni3+/Ni4+, however, also with volume jumps at first order transitions.

Acta Materialia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectra demonstrate a smooth decrease of Mn valence with in-situ reduction, confirmed by a monotonous increase in Mn–O distance from extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS).

Electrochimica Acta

We can see the smooth decrease in the bias with RR whereas in PCR the bias decreases in a stepwise manner, with each step corresponding to the inclusion of one more component in the model.

Genetic Epidemiology

Implementation of some of the reactions resulted in a smooth monotonic decrease in 1,2,4-TCB uptake with increasing biomass produced.

BMC Systems Biology

While some plots show no initial increase (e.g., the plots in Figure 3a,g,h), some plots show a sudden drop with a very smooth decrease (Figure 3a,g,h), and in some plots this drop has a wavy structure.

Earth, Planets and Space

The current density shows smooth decreasing trend in December and slightly increasing trends during January and February, with CBY values being higher than VEN. Figure 6 Noontime EEJ strength on all days of each month along with the noontime current density.

Earth, Planets and Space

An examination of the many different high pressure structures of Si show that the values of vD all lie on a smooth curve in which vD decreases monotonically with pressure, even though values of v A vary from one high-pressure structure to another.

Chemical Reviews

Prostate tumor-associated or 'reactive' stroma is characterized by a decrease in smooth muscle cell differentiation and an increase in myofibroblasts and fibroblasts, with characteristics of a wound repair stroma [ 13].

BMC Cancer

Following degradation of the ACM, there was a decrease in smooth muscle contractility.

Gynecological Surgery

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a smooth decrease in", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is decreasing and over what period or in relation to what variable. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a smooth decrease in" without specifying the affected quantity or the relevant variables. For instance, stating "there was a smooth decrease" is vague; clarify by saying "there was a smooth decrease in production efficiency" to provide necessary context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a smooth decrease in" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes a gradual reduction in something. For instance, "The data showed a smooth decrease in temperature".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a smooth decrease in" is a noun phrase used to describe a gradual and consistent reduction. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and best suited for formal and scientific contexts. While alternatives such as "a gradual decline in" or "a steady reduction in" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to provide clear context when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity. The analysis of several real-world examples reveals that the expression is mostly used in scientific writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a gradual reduction in

Emphasizes the step-by-step nature of the decrease.

a steady decline in

Highlights the consistent and unwavering nature of the decrease.

a continuous drop in

Focuses on the uninterrupted nature of the decreasing trend.

a progressive lessening of

Suggests a decrease that occurs in stages or increments.

a uniform diminution of

Emphasizes the consistent rate of decrease.

a consistent downtrend in

Highlights a downward direction of a trend in a data context.

a seamless decline in

Focuses on the effortless and uninterrupted way the decline is happening.

a measured fall in

Highlights that the decrease is happening at a steady speed.

a tempered reduction of

Highlights that the reduction is not drastic or harsh.

a regular depreciation of

Highlights that the decrease is happening on a regular and consistent basis.

FAQs

What does "a smooth decrease in" mean?

The phrase "a smooth decrease in" describes a gradual and consistent reduction in something, without sudden or erratic changes. It implies a steady decline over time or in relation to another variable.

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

You can use "a smooth decrease in" to describe various trends, such as "The chart showed "a smooth decrease in" sales over the quarter" or "We observed "a smooth decrease in" temperature throughout the night".

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

You can use alternatives like "a gradual decline in", "a steady reduction in", or "a continuous drop in" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "a smooth decrease in" or "a sharp decrease in"?

The choice between "a smooth decrease in" and "a sharp decrease in" depends on the context. "A smooth decrease in" suggests a gradual decline, while "a sharp decrease in" indicates a rapid and significant drop. Use the phrase that accurately reflects the trend you are describing.