becoming less and less

USAGE SUMMARY

"becoming less and less" is a phrase that is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe something that is diminishing in quantity or degree over time. For example, "The amount of rainfall has been becoming less and less over the past five years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That is becoming less and less possible.

The Economist

That is becoming less and less true.

The Guardian

Death is becoming less and less distinguished.

The Guardian - Books

Resistance is becoming less and less easy.

The Guardian - Business

That's becoming less and less the case".

The New York Times

Managed democracy is becoming less and less manageable".

The Guardian

"It's becoming less and less, I must say," Carragher laments.

The Guardian - Sport

The report also notes that home ownership is becoming less and less common.

The Guardian - Business

George Osborne's spending plans are becoming less and less credible by the day, and it's embarrassing.

The Guardian

It represents what we reject: an economy that is becoming less and less democratic.

The New York Times

As each day passes, the three bodies are becoming less and less suitable for public view.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "becoming less and less" to accurately depict gradual decline over time. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is diminishing, and why, for maximum impact. For example: "The company's market share is becoming less and less competitive due to outdated technology."

Common error

Avoid using "becoming less and less" in overly simple sentences where a more direct synonym would be more effective. Instead of saying "The light was becoming less and less bright", consider using "The light dimmed" for conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "becoming less and less" functions as a progressive adjective phrase, modifying a noun or subject to indicate a gradual decline. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, highlighting its role in describing diminishing qualities or quantities over time. Examples show it expressing declining interest, importance, or suitability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "becoming less and less" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to describe a gradual decline or diminishing quality. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it effectively communicates a progressive decrease over time. This phrase is frequently found in News & Media sources and also used in Science and Formal & Business contexts. While highly versatile, it's important to use it judiciously, avoiding redundancy in simple sentences and considering more concise alternatives where appropriate. Remember, this phrase emphasizes the ongoing nature of the reduction. So, you can confidently employ "becoming less and less" to express diminishing trends in your writing, ensuring clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradually declining

Directly states the gradual reduction.

progressively diminishing

Highlights the ongoing and continuous reduction.

decreasing gradually

Focuses on the gradual nature of the decrease.

diminishing steadily

Highlights the consistent and continuous reduction.

steadily shrinking

Focuses on the consistent decrease in size or scope.

declining bit by bit

Stresses the small, incremental steps of the reduction.

waning incrementally

Emphasizes the subtle and progressive decline.

fading increasingly

Emphasizes the growing weakness or lack of visibility.

receding progressively

Suggests a gradual movement away or backward.

eroding over time

Implies a gradual wearing away or disintegration.

FAQs

How can I use "becoming less and less" in a sentence?

Use "becoming less and less" to describe a gradual decrease in quantity, quality, or intensity over time. For instance, "The interest in that topic is becoming less and less evident".

What are some alternatives to "becoming less and less"?

You can use alternatives like "decreasing gradually", "gradually declining", or "steadily shrinking" depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to use "less and less"?

While "less and less" can sometimes be redundant, it emphasizes the gradual nature of the decrease. However, consider whether a single word like "diminishing" or "waning" might be more concise.

What's the difference between "becoming less and less" and "decreasing"?

"Becoming less and less" implies a continuous process of reduction, while "decreasing" simply indicates a reduction. The former emphasizes the ongoing nature of the change.