Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
adjust down
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"adjust down" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a decrease in size, degree, or amount, such as "You can adjust the volume down to make it quieter".
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
11 human-written examples
Objective: Ultrasonographic biometry markers are now being used clinically to adjust Down syndrome risk.
We adjust down our forecasts for likely weaker performance in Italy and Europe more generally.
News & Media
City's players struggled to adjust down in previously unexplored battlegrounds, and fans developed a detachment, too.
News & Media
We think consensus needs to adjust down further for 2015/2016 – our full year 2015 estimated £431m operating profit post transformation costs sits around 8% below company consensus.
News & Media
So, he said, for a borrower whose index is based on the one-year Treasury bill and whose margin is 2.75, the rate is probably going to adjust down -- not up.
News & Media
If you were to ignore the ensuing write-downs, you should also adjust down profits for previous years.The simplest answer, which lies at the heart of Mr Shiller's analysis (and was proposed by Ben Graham, the doyen of security analysts, before him), is to average profits over several years.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
49 human-written examples
That was later adjusted down to 0.4 percent.
News & Media
The acquisition time can be adjusted down to 25 ms.
Science
"The market is adjusting down," Marc Porter, president of Christie's North and South America, told Bloomberg after the sale.
News & Media
(That was later adjusted down in size and up in price, to a studio for up to $400,000).
News & Media
The new accounting policies mean that last year's profits will be restated, and adjusted down by £900m.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "adjust down", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being reduced or lowered. For example, "Adjust the thermostat down to 20 degrees" is more specific than simply saying "Adjust down".
Common error
Avoid using "adjust down" without specifying the object or parameter being adjusted. Ensure clarity by stating what is being reduced, lowered, or modified.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "adjust down" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the act of reducing or lowering something. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in contexts ranging from financial forecasts to physical settings. It suggests a deliberate action to decrease a quantity or setting.
Frequent in
News & Media
35%
Science
35%
Formal & Business
30%
Less common in
Wiki
10%
Reference
0%
Academia
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "adjust down" is a phrasal verb used to indicate a reduction or lowering of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While relatively uncommon, it appears in diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to specify what is being adjusted. When a more formal tone is needed, synonyms like "reduce" or "decrease" may be appropriate. Remember to consider the context and audience when choosing between "adjust down" and its alternatives.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
scale down
Implies reducing the size or extent of something.
reduce
A general term for making something smaller or less.
lower
Indicates a decrease in level or amount.
decrease
Similar to reduce, but often used in more formal contexts.
decline
Suggests a gradual decrease or deterioration.
mark down
Specifically refers to reducing a price.
trim down
Implies removing excess to make something smaller or more efficient.
pare back
Suggests cutting back on something, often expenses or resources.
cut back
Similar to pare back, indicating a reduction in spending or activity.
wind down
Indicates gradually reducing or ending something.
FAQs
How can I use "adjust down" in a sentence?
You can use "adjust down" to describe reducing a setting, quantity, or expectation. For example, "We need to "scale down" our budget" or "The company had to adjust down its profit forecasts".
What is a good alternative to "adjust down"?
When is it appropriate to use "adjust down" versus "adjust upward"?
"Adjust down" is used when you are decreasing something, while "adjust upward" implies an increase. The choice depends entirely on whether you are raising or lowering the value or setting.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested