can be decreased

USAGE SUMMARY

'can be decreased' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a declining amount or quality of something. For example: "The amount of pollution in the environment can be decreased by making use of renewable energy sources."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Otherwise, the quantity of computation can be decreased.

Journal of Systems Engineering and Electronics

Moreover, the ABC phenomenon can be decreased by CPNEs.

Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Then, the adjusted numbers can be decreased indeed.

Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers

Heavy oil viscosity can be decreased by 2 3 orders.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

Shanks would like to see just how much the emittance can be decreased in CESR.

Cornell University

If PCONST is selected, value can be decreased quickly by holding down the button.

Cornell University

Use of pesticides can be decreased because SRI plants are stronger and healthier.

Cornell University

For example, portions can be decreased without most people noticing, as long as it is done gradually, says Lipsky.

The Guardian - Business

NO synthesis can be decreased by asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), which is degraded by dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase-1 (DDAH1).

Stanford University

The public safety hazard can be decreased to minimum if the electric and magnetic fields are appropriately shielded.

Cornell University

An interactive display shows how carbon dioxide emissions can be decreased by altering habits, for example, but what impact will that actually have on changes in global temperature?

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be decreased", clearly specify what is being decreased and, if possible, by what means. This adds clarity and context to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "can be decreased" without a clear subject. For example, instead of saying 'Efficiency can be decreased', specify 'The efficiency of the process can be decreased by using outdated equipment'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be decreased" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating the possibility of something being reduced. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

70%

Academia

17%

News & Media

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be decreased" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to denote the potential for reduction across a wide array of contexts. As evidenced by Ludwig, it is most prevalent in scientific and academic discourse. While its usage is generally straightforward, ensuring clarity by specifying the subject and means of reduction is crucial. Alternatives like "can be reduced" or "can be lessened" offer similar semantic value. Ludwig AI confirms the reliability and correctness of this phrase, making it a dependable choice for expressing potential diminution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be reduced

Changes the verb from 'decreased' to 'reduced', implying a similar action of lessening or diminishing.

can be lessened

Replaces 'decreased' with 'lessened', suggesting a reduction in intensity or degree.

can be diminished

Substitutes 'decreased' with 'diminished', indicating a gradual reduction in size or importance.

can be lowered

Uses 'lowered' instead of 'decreased', suggesting a reduction in level or amount.

can be minimized

Replaces 'decreased' with 'minimized', implying an attempt to reduce something to the smallest possible amount or degree.

can be curtailed

Uses 'curtailed' in place of 'decreased', suggesting a restriction or reduction in something.

can be abated

Substitutes 'decreased' with 'abated', indicating a reduction in intensity or severity.

can be mitigated

Replaces 'decreased' with 'mitigated', suggesting an attempt to reduce the severity or impact of something.

can be alleviated

Uses 'alleviated' in place of 'decreased', implying a reduction in pain, suffering, or difficulty.

can be attenuated

Substitutes 'decreased' with 'attenuated', indicating a reduction in force, effect, or value.

FAQs

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

Use "can be decreased" to indicate that something is capable of being reduced in quantity, size, or intensity. For instance, "The risk of infection "can be decreased" by practicing good hygiene."

What are some alternatives to "can be decreased"?

Alternatives include phrases like "can be reduced", "can be lessened", or "can be minimized", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "can be decreased" or "should be decreased"?

"Can be decreased" suggests a possibility, while "should be decreased" implies a recommendation or necessity. The choice depends on whether you're describing a potential or advocating for an action.

What is the difference between "can be decreased" and "is decreased"?

"Can be decreased" describes a potential for reduction, whereas "is decreased" states that a reduction has already occurred. For example, "The temperature "can be decreased" by adjusting the thermostat", versus "The temperature "is decreased" after adjusting the thermostat".