be reduced

USAGE SUMMARY

"be reduced" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are describing something that is diminishing in size, quantity, degree, intensity, or importance. For example, "As we practice social distancing, the spread of the virus should be reduced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His pay will be reduced.

The Economist

Rubbish collection would be reduced.

The Economist

Maximum salaries would be reduced.

The New York Times - Sports

But it can be reduced.

The Economist

Farm subsidies would be reduced.

The New York Times

Commodity stockpiles may be reduced or disbanded.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With HVDC, conversions can be reduced.

The New York Times

Future pension benefits will be reduced sharply.

The Economist

Even stress during pregnancy can be reduced.

The Economist

Some of the danger can be reduced.

The New York Times

Consequently, overhead costs may be reduced.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be reduced", ensure the subject clearly identifies what is undergoing reduction. Clarity prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "be reduced" without specifying the units or context of the reduction. For example, instead of saying "Costs will be reduced", specify "Costs will be reduced by 20%" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be reduced" functions primarily as a passive voice construction, where an action (reduction) is performed upon the subject. This usage is supported by Ludwig AI, indicating that the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently encountered in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be reduced" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a decrease in size, quantity, or intensity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. To ensure clarity, always specify the subject and extent of the reduction. While alternatives like "be lessened" or "be diminished" exist, "be reduced" remains a straightforward and widely accepted choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be diminished

Focuses on the act of lessening in degree or intensity.

be lessened

Emphasizes making something smaller or less significant.

be decreased

Highlights the act of becoming smaller in number or size.

be lowered

Specifically refers to a decrease in height, level, or amount.

be curtailed

Suggests a restriction or limitation being imposed.

be shrunk

Implies a reduction in physical size or extent.

be cut back

Indicates a reduction in spending or resources.

be scaled down

Suggests a proportional reduction in size or scope.

be weakened

Focuses on the reduction of strength or power.

be mitigated

Highlights a reduction in severity or impact.

FAQs

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

You can use "be reduced" to describe a decrease in size, quantity, or intensity. For example, "The risk of infection can "be reduced" by washing your hands regularly."

What are some alternatives to "be reduced"?

Alternatives include phrases like "be diminished", "be lessened", or "be decreased", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "become reduced" instead of "be reduced"?

While "become reduced" is grammatically correct, ""be reduced"" is generally more concise and commonly used, especially in formal writing. "Become reduced" often implies a process or gradual change.

What's the difference between "be reduced" and "be lowered"?

"Be lowered" typically refers to a physical lowering of something, like a flag or a price. "Be reduced" is broader and can apply to abstract concepts like risk, costs, or emissions, as well as physical quantities.