adjust downward

USAGE SUMMARY

"adjust downward" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express an idea or action of reducing something. For example, "The company has had to adjust downward its projections for the next quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"Prices will adjust downward, particularly on the high-end luxury units, to clear them out".

The New York Times

In effect, the market would adjust downward to reflect some of the decrease in buyers' purchasing power.

The New York Times - Magazine

To reach a deal, you may need to take a cold, hard look at the reference group you've chosen and adjust downward as needed.

Harvard University

This allows wages and prices to adjust downward, giving depressed regions a competitive advantage that can attract new companies and thus smooth out regional disparities.

The Economist

If inflation is humming along at 4%, however, then real wages can adjust downward more easily, simply by not keeping up with the price level.

The Economist

For tax and other reasons, Nasdaq had to adjust downward the influence of the biggest stocks in the index -- Microsoft, Intel, Cisco, MCI Worldcom and Dell Computer -- which together accounted for more than 60percentt of the Nasdaq 100.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

That's a welcome break from recent statements that those cost-of-living adjustments could be adjusted downward without serious harm to seniors or the disabled.

Huffington Post

Data indicate that wages are slowly adjusting downward, but that this adjustment is by no means complete.

The Economist

"Payments are adjusted downward as minutes go up.

The New York Times

Many experts believe this index overstates actual price increases and should be adjusted downward.

The New York Times

In 2001, when prices and volumes declined, the prudency reserve would also have been adjusted downward".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "adjust downward", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being reduced or modified. For instance, "adjust downward expectations".

Common error

Avoid using "adjust downward" when a simple "decrease" or "reduce" suffices. The phrase implies a more calibrated or managed reduction, not just any decline.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "adjust downward" is as a verb phrase, where "adjust" is the verb and "downward" functions as an adverb modifying the verb, indicating the direction of the adjustment. Ludwig provides examples that confirm this function.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

35%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "adjust downward" is a versatile phrase used to describe the act of reducing or modifying something to a lower level. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Scientific contexts, the phrase carries a neutral to professional register, suitable for factual and precise communication. While synonyms like "decrease" or "reduce" exist, "adjust downward" implies a calibrated or managed reduction. When incorporating this phrase, ensure the context clarifies the subject of adjustment and avoid overuse in scenarios where simpler alternatives suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decrease

A more general term for making something smaller or lower.

reduce

Similar to decrease, but can also imply making something less significant.

lower

Implies a reduction in height, level, or amount.

scale down

Suggests reducing the size or extent of something.

revise downwards

Specifically used when altering a previously stated value to a lower number.

mark down

Often used in a business context, specifically reducing a price.

bring down

Suggests forceful action to lower something.

de-escalate

Specifically refers to reducing the intensity or severity of a situation.

curtail

To reduce in extent or quantity; impose a restriction on.

trim

Implies a small or careful reduction.

FAQs

How can I use "adjust downward" in a sentence?

Use "adjust downward" when you want to convey a reduction or modification to a lower level. For instance, "The company had to adjust downward its earnings forecast due to unexpected market conditions."

What can I say instead of "adjust downward"?

You can use alternatives like "decrease", "lower", or "reduce" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "adjust downward"?

While "adjust" can sometimes imply a change in either direction, using "adjust downward" provides clarity when the adjustment specifically involves a decrease or reduction.

When is it appropriate to use "revise downwards" instead of "adjust downward"?

"Revise downwards" is best used when altering a previously stated value or estimate to a lower number, while "adjust downward" is more general and can apply to various contexts beyond numerical revisions. You could say "revise downwards" the estimate.