be lessened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be lessened" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the reduction or diminishment of something, such as a problem, risk, or burden. Example: "The impact of the new policy is expected to be lessened over time as people adapt to the changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That risk can be lessened by surveillance.

The Economist

How can this problem be lessened?

The Guardian

The irksome burden of commuting might be lessened considerably.

The New York Times

Sonic boom may be lessened but probably not eliminated.

The New Yorker

They will be lessened if the president brings together an international coalition behind the effort.

The New York Times

Hurdles that could be lessened if fashion conglomerates demanded higher standards.

The Guardian

"The women's coverage won't be lessened in any way," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

I think the old stigma may be lessened, but it is not entirely gone".

The New York Times

She wasn't the only one whose burden would be lessened by the loss.

The Guardian - Opinion

The burden of these levies would be lessened by the resulting reductions in pollution and congestion.

The New York Times

"The city would be lessened if it lost the society," Mr. Wood said.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be lessened" when you want to express that something is made smaller, less intense, or less significant, often as a result of an action or condition. For example, "The risk can be lessened by taking precautions."

Common error

While grammatically sound, "be lessened" can sometimes sound overly formal or passive. In some cases, a more direct verb like "reduce" or "decrease" might make your writing more impactful. Consider your audience and the desired tone when choosing your words.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "be lessened" is as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the sentence is undergoing a reduction or decrease in some quality or quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be lessened" is a grammatically sound and versatile passive verb phrase that effectively conveys the idea of something being reduced or decreased. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While direct alternatives like "be reduced" may sometimes be preferable for conciseness, "be lessened" remains a valuable option for expressing a more nuanced or gradual decrease. When considering your writing, remember that its slightly formal tone might make it less suitable for informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be reduced

Focuses specifically on making something smaller in size, amount, or degree. It's a more direct synonym.

be diminished

Implies a gradual decrease in importance, size, or intensity. Suggests something becoming weaker or less significant.

be minimized

Emphasizes the effort to make something as small as possible, often focusing on negative effects or risks.

be alleviated

Refers to easing or relieving pain, suffering, or difficulty. Specifically targets the reduction of something unpleasant.

be mitigated

Suggests taking action to reduce the severity or impact of something negative. Focuses on lessening consequences.

be decreased

A general term for making something smaller in quantity or degree, similar to "be reduced" but slightly less direct.

be attenuated

Implies a weakening or thinning of something, often used in scientific or technical contexts.

be softened

Focuses on making something less harsh, severe, or intense, often used in relation to impacts or effects.

be abated

Suggests a gradual decrease or cessation of something, often used for negative conditions like storms or pain.

be curtailed

Implies a restriction or limitation on something, resulting in a reduction of its extent or scope.

FAQs

What does "be lessened" mean?

The phrase "be lessened" means to become smaller, less intense, or reduced in degree. It indicates that something is decreasing or diminishing.

How can I use "be lessened" in a sentence?

You can use "be lessened" in sentences like "The impact of the new policy is expected to "be reduced" over time" or "The pain can "be alleviated" with medication."

What are some alternatives to "be lessened"?

Alternatives to "be lessened" include phrases such as "be reduced", "be diminished", "be alleviated", or "be minimized". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use "be lessened" or "be reduced"?

Both "be lessened" and "be reduced" are grammatically correct. "Be reduced" is often more direct and concise, while "be lessened" can imply a more gradual or nuanced decrease. Choose the phrase that best fits the specific context and desired tone.