are lessened by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are lessened by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is reduced or diminished as a result of a particular factor or influence. Example: "The negative effects of stress are lessened by regular exercise and mindfulness practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

There is some evidence that cravings are lessened by fasting, although this is a hard topic to study.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Their chances are lessened by playing in Malabo, with its genteel 15,000-capacity stadium, rather than Bata, which can accommodate almost 40,000.

The Guardian - Sport

Things are volatile, but the risk of a financing failure or a delay in this instance are lessened by the fact that Plato is a real company with real assets.

The New York Times

Aggressive feelings are lessened by a display called "facing away," in which one or both birds, with neck stretched up, abruptly turn the head to the side away from the other bird.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The potato may be a cheap source of calories, but its high glycemic index and its lacklustre nutrients (which are lessened by cooking) makes it an unhealthy food for today's ever-fattening population.

The Economist

"Concerns about inventory growth are lessened by the improvement in new orders during October," said Ore. Respondents to the survey, though, voiced their concerns about the dollar.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

That risk can be lessened by surveillance.

The Economist

Every piece here is lessened by comparison.

The Guardian - Arts

And abnormality is lessened by the fact that there are two of them".

The New York Times - Arts

Sadly the lure of plunder and nostalgic action is lessened by some annoying niggles.

The Guardian - Tech

"The supply has been lessened by one potential guy, and presumably the demand remains the same".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are lessened by", ensure the sentence clearly indicates both what is being reduced and what is causing the reduction. For example, "Anxiety levels are lessened by regular meditation practices."

Common error

Avoid using "are lessened by" without a clear subject and agent. Ensure it's evident what is being lessened and what is doing the lessening to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are lessened by" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a subject's impact or intensity is reduced due to an external factor. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in English, and examples demonstrate its use in contexts ranging from mitigating cravings to reducing risks.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are lessened by" serves to express that something's impact or intensity is reduced due to an external factor. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is both grammatically correct and suitable for use. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying both what is being reduced and the cause of the reduction. Alternatives include "are diminished by", "are reduced by", and "are mitigated by", each offering subtle nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are diminished by

Direct synonym, replacing "lessened" with "diminished" to indicate a reduction in size, extent, or importance.

are reduced by

Replaces "lessened" with "reduced", emphasizing a decrease in quantity or degree.

are mitigated by

Suggests that the severity of something is alleviated by another factor.

are alleviated by

Similar to "mitigated", this highlights the relief or easing of a negative impact.

are tempered by

Indicates that something is moderated or made less intense by something else.

are weakened by

Implies that the strength or impact of something is decreased.

are curtailed by

Suggests that something is restricted or cut short by a specific factor.

are softened by

Indicates a reduction in harshness or intensity.

are counteracted by

Highlights the action of one thing opposing and reducing the effect of another.

are offset by

Suggests that the effects of one thing are balanced or compensated for by something else.

FAQs

How can I use "are lessened by" in a sentence?

Use "are lessened by" to indicate that something is reduced or diminished as a result of another factor. For example, "The risks are lessened by careful planning."

What can I say instead of "are lessened by"?

You can use alternatives like "are diminished by", "are reduced by", or "are mitigated by" depending on the context.

Is "are lessened by" formal or informal?

"Are lessened by" is suitable for neutral to formal contexts. Its appropriateness depends on the overall tone and audience of your writing. Other options like "are reduced by" are usable in most situations.

What's the difference between "are lessened by" and "are decreased by"?

While both phrases indicate a reduction, "are lessened by" often implies a reduction in intensity or impact, whereas "are decreased by" usually refers to a reduction in quantity or size. The subtle difference depends on the specific context of use.