become less extensive and

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become less extensive and" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a reduction in the scope or range of something, typically in a formal or academic context. Example: "As the project progressed, the initial plans began to become less extensive and more focused on specific objectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Lymphatics become less extensive and their presence more variable moving peripherally from the terminal bronchiole to the alveolar ductal level.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In particular, in the case of ice sheets and ice caps (> 1000 km2), one potentially important topographic control on where in a landscape moraines are deposited is erosional feedback, whereby subglacial erosion causes ice masses to become less extensive over successive glacial cycles.

Geomorphology

Dubstep's big foundational club called itself FWD>> but I think what happened in the noughties was that the innovatory drive shifted its axis and became less extensive than intensive: instead of giant strides into the unknown, it was about a quest for under-explored spaces and new hybrid possibilities within the frontiers staked out during the 90s.

The Guardian - Music

As they become less expensive and more advanced, they'll also become less noticeable. .

Los Angeles Times

Thereafter annual hazards must have increased as pack ice became progressively less extensive and of shorter duration offering less damping to wave action.

Plosone

"Those places become less and less competitive and places like the eurozone become more competitive.

BBC

They become less chatty and more secretive.

Independent

Today, privacy has become less desirable and less possible.

The New York Times - Books

Surgery has become less invasive and radiation therapy less toxic.

The Breast Comprehensive Management of Benign and Malignant Diseases

You become less and you become better".

The New York Times - Arts

As time passes the figures become less and less accurate.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "become less extensive and", ensure the context clearly indicates what is becoming smaller or reduced. The phrase is most effective when the subject of reduction is explicitly stated.

Common error

Avoid using "become less extensive and" in casual conversation. Opt for simpler, more direct language like "shrink" or "decrease" for greater clarity and naturalness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become less extensive and" functions as a verb phrase indicating a process of reduction or diminution. Ludwig AI shows the phrase used to describe changes over time, like the extent of glaciers or the coverage of mapping.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "become less extensive and" is a grammatically sound construction used to describe a reduction in scope, size, or range. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears in various formal contexts, with science, news, and encyclopedias being the most common. While the phrase is accurate and understandable, it leans toward formality. For casual communication, using simpler alternatives might enhance clarity. When aiming for precision and detail, "become less extensive and" remains a valid and useful option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diminish in scope and

Replaces "become" with "diminish" which implies a gradual reduction. It maintains a formal tone.

decrease in extent and

Uses "decrease" to emphasize the reduction in size or area. Maintains a formal and precise meaning.

narrow in range and

Focuses on the limitation of the range or variety. Suggests a more specific application.

reduce in scale and

Emphasizes the reduction in size or magnitude. Suitable for situations involving proportions.

contract in area and

Highlights the physical shrinking or reduction in area. More applicable to geographical or spatial contexts.

lessen in breadth and

Implies a reduction in width or scope, often used when referring to ideas or topics.

decline in prevalence and

Indicates a decrease in frequency or commonness. Appropriate for trends or statistical data.

wane in influence and

Suggests a weakening of power or impact. Applicable to abstract concepts like authority or popularity.

attenuate in intensity and

Focuses on the reduction of strength or force. More suitable for describing phenomena like light or sound.

abate in magnitude and

Implies a reduction in size or importance, often used for problems or issues.

FAQs

How can I use "become less extensive and" in a sentence?

This phrase is often used to describe a reduction in scope, area, or intensity. For example, "As the project progressed, the budget "became less extensive and" more targeted."

What are some alternatives to "become less extensive and"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "diminish in scope and", "decrease in extent and", or "reduce in scale and".

Is "become less extensive and" formal or informal?

The phrase "become less extensive and" leans towards a more formal register. In informal contexts, simpler terms like "shrink" or "reduce" might be more appropriate.

When is it appropriate to use "become less extensive and"?

Use "become less extensive and" when describing a gradual reduction in the size, scope, or impact of something, particularly in technical or academic writing. Ensure that the context provides a clear understanding of what is undergoing this reduction.