by decreasing

USAGE SUMMARY

"by decreasing" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to indicate the cause or method by which something is decreasing. Here are some examples of how it can be used: 1. "By decreasing the amount of sugar in your diet, you can improve your overall health." 2. "The unemployment rate has been steadily decreasing by implementing new job training programs." 3. "You can save money on your energy bill by decreasing your energy usage." 4. "The company's profits have been declining by decreasing consumer demand for their products." 5. "By decreasing the speed limit on this road, we can reduce the number of accidents." 6. "With rising sea levels, many coastal communities are at risk of flooding by decreasing their shoreline." 7. "Her anxiety levels have been improving by decreasing her caffeine intake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pruning, by decreasing leaf area, decreased water loss.

The New York Times

A sustainable recovery can only be achieved by decreasing inequality.

The Guardian

In short, the brain responds by decreasing dopamine activity, producing a state of crashing boredom.

The New York Times - Health

He added that he hoped to encourage domestic business by decreasing interest rates on overdue taxes.

The New York Times

When Arleen didn't show up, the caseworker "sanctioned" her by decreasing her benefit.

The New Yorker

Initially, managed care made large profits by decreasing payments to doctors and hospitals.

The New York Times

The removal of protein in turn improves the by-product for AD by decreasing the nitrogen load.

The Guardian

Those who reduce their carbon footprint by decreasing their energy use, they say, usually reduce their energy costs as well.

The New York Times

Technology creates efficiencies by decreasing unit size while increasing utility.

TechCrunch

Clearly, by decreasing Δ, Pres decreases.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

And he doesn't mean 'changing the world' by "decreasing enterprise churn, or matching socks to trousers.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by decreasing", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what is being decreased and what the resulting effect is. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "by decreasing" when the relationship between the reduction and the outcome is not direct or clear. Ensure a logical connection exists to prevent confusing the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by decreasing" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the means or method by which an action is accomplished. It specifies how a reduction in something leads to a particular outcome, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by decreasing" is a versatile phrase that functions as an adverbial modifier, used to illustrate cause-and-effect relationships through reduction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including science, news media, and formal business writing. When employing "by decreasing", writers should ensure a clear connection between the reduction and its outcome. Alternative phrases such as "by reducing" or "through minimizing" offer similar meanings, allowing for nuanced expression. With a neutral register and high frequency, "by decreasing" remains a valuable tool for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by reducing

Focuses on lessening the quantity or size of something.

by lessening

Similar to reducing, but often implies a gradual reduction.

through minimizing

Emphasizes the act of reducing something to the smallest possible amount.

via diminishing

Suggests a gradual decline or reduction over time.

in reducing

Highlights the result, focusing on reduction as a consequence.

through curtailing

Implies restricting or cutting back on something.

by cutting back on

More informal, suggesting a deliberate reduction in consumption or expenditure.

by scaling down

Suggests reducing the size or extent of something systematically.

by alleviating

Focuses on the easing or reduction of something negative, such as pain or stress.

via downscaling

Refers to reduction in size/magnitude and conveys the same meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "by decreasing" in a sentence?

Use "by decreasing" to explain how a reduction in one thing leads to a specific result. For instance, "You can improve fuel efficiency by decreasing the vehicle's weight."

What are some alternatives to "by decreasing"?

You can use alternatives like "by reducing", "through minimizing", or "via diminishing" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "by decreasing"?

Yes, starting a sentence with "by decreasing" is grammatically correct, especially when emphasizing the method or means by which something is achieved. For example, "By decreasing screen time, you can improve your sleep quality."

What's the difference between "by decreasing" and "by increasing"?

"By decreasing" indicates a reduction leading to a result, while "by increasing" indicates that an augmentation produces a result. For example, "By decreasing expenses, the company increased its profits."