about a threefold reduction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about a threefold reduction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a decrease in quantity, size, or intensity, typically in a scientific, technical, or analytical context. Example: "The new process resulted in about a threefold reduction in energy consumption compared to the previous method."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Another study found mutation of the Abf1 binding site in the TOM6 promoter in the chromosomal context resulted in about a threefold reduction in transcription [ Figure 2E of (Hornung et al. 2012)].

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

Pre-incubation with 10 μM of the dominant-negative mutant caused only about a threefold reduction of scImpβ-mediated cargo influx into the FG/FxFG gel (Supplementary Figure S5).

EMBO Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Song et al. showed in their study a threefold reduction in renal activity following lysine pre-treatment [13].

EJNMMI Research

Removing the actives from the Prior thus resulted in a threefold reduction in the probability of generating a structure from the set of test actives.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Again the consequence of removing the actives from the Prior was a threefold reduction in the probability of generating a test set active: the difference between the two Priors is directly mirrored by their corresponding Agents.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Co-expression of FLAG-FHL2 led to a threefold reduction of the CALM/AF10-mediated activation.

Blood Cancer Journal

In this study, subclavian placement was associated with a threefold reduction in risk of infection.

Critical Care

Indeed, a threefold reduction of malaria cases was observed in the country [ 6, 7].

BMC Infectious Diseases

As shown in Figure  1C, there was a threefold reduction in the ability of FAK-inhibited synovial fibroblasts to invade.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

At day 3, IL-13 overexpression resulted in a twofold reduction in VDIPEN expression and a threefold reduction at day 7, compared with the control group.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

In contrast, removal of NOCA-1 led to a dramatic effect, causing a threefold reduction in the number of growing EB1-marked microtubule ends.

eLife

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "about a threefold reduction", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being reduced and the baseline for comparison. Use specific units or metrics to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "about a threefold reduction" when a more precise value is available. While "about" indicates approximation, providing an exact reduction figure strengthens credibility and precision, especially in scientific or technical writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about a threefold reduction" functions as a modifier, specifically describing the extent of a decrease. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig show it quantifying reductions in transcription, renal activity, and other measurable aspects.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "about a threefold reduction" is a grammatically correct phrase used to quantify a decrease, typically in scientific or technical contexts. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's employed when specifying the extent of a decrease by a factor of approximately three. While relatively uncommon, this phrase is best used when precision is less critical, and an approximation is sufficient. Related alternatives include phrases such as "approximately a threefold decrease" and "roughly a threefold lessening". When writing, ensure that the context clearly defines what is being reduced and use more specific values when available for greater precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Approximately a threefold decrease

Replaces "about" with "approximately" for a more formal tone, maintaining the core meaning.

Roughly a threefold lessening

Substitutes "about" with "roughly" and "reduction" with "lessening" for a more casual feel.

A near threefold diminishing

Employs "near" instead of "about" and "diminishing" instead of "reduction", slightly altering the emphasis.

A threefold curtailment

Replaces "reduction" with "curtailment", suggesting a more forceful decrease.

A threefold contraction

Uses "contraction" to replace "reduction", implying a shrinking or compression.

A decline by a factor of three

Rephrases the concept using "decline by a factor of three", offering a more mathematical expression.

A threefold drop

Simply replaces reduction with drop which implies sudden fall or decline.

A three-times reduction

Transforms the phrase structure, emphasizing the multiplier.

Reduction by approximately 300 percent

Expresses the reduction in terms of percentage.

A near threefold alleviation

Alleviation suggests a lessening of something negative, subtly changing the context.

FAQs

How can I use "about a threefold reduction" in a sentence?

You can use "about a threefold reduction" to describe a decrease in quantity, size, or intensity. For example, "The new method resulted in "about a threefold reduction" in energy consumption".

What can I say instead of "about a threefold reduction"?

Alternatives include "approximately a threefold decrease", "roughly a threefold lessening", or "a threefold curtailment", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it more appropriate to say "about a threefold reduction" or "approximately a threefold reduction"?

Both are grammatically correct. "Approximately" is generally considered more formal than "about", so choose the option that best fits the tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "a threefold reduction" and "a reduction of threefold"?

"A threefold reduction" means a decrease to a third of the original value, while "a reduction of threefold" is less common and potentially ambiguous. It could be interpreted as a decrease by a factor of three, making the former clearer.