continue to lessen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "continue to lessen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a gradual reduction or decrease in something over time. Example: "As the project progresses, we expect the costs to continue to lessen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

They said that the population was completely under the despotic rule of the TTP and would actually want the drone attacks to continue to lessen the severity of TTP control on them.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Please perform your own due diligence on this little gem that continues to lessen our energy dependence on foreigners and flies in the face of human global warming.

Forbes

Elida produced a large amount of deep convection overnight, but the winds continued to lessen.

Wikipedia

Diabetic control group continued to lessen the weight till the conclusion of the study.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

As you continue to play, the soreness will quickly lessen or disappear altogether.

WikiHow

We need to continue to reduce air pollution if we plan to lessen our contribution to climate change.

Huffington Post

Research must continue to address the most effective means of eliminating this disparity in order to lessen the excess burden of T2D and the MetS in this high risk population.

Plosone

Central Europe learned this painfully, and while the United States must continue to deal as amicably as possible with Russia, vigilance must never lessen.

Huffington Post

Even though observable outward signs of emotional expression are lessened in schizophrenia, studies indicate that sufferers continue to display very subtle facial muscle movements (as measured by electromyogram) that are similar to and in accordance with their responses [ 27].

BMC Psychiatry

"It is an evolving program and we continue to make changes in the program as long as we don't lessen the impact, which has always been to keep drunk drivers off the road," he said.

The New York Times

Though the threat has lessened, firefighters remain at the site and "will continue to keep the fire at bay from the Hearst Castle," said Kenichi Haskett, a Cal Fire spokesman. .

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "continue to lessen", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being reduced and over what timeframe. For instance, "We expect the side effects to "continue to lessen" with each passing day" provides a clear understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "continue to lessen" without explicitly stating what is causing the decrease. For example, instead of saying "Problems will "continue to lessen"" specify the actions or factors leading to the reduction: "With these new measures, problems will "continue to lessen"".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continue to lessen" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating a process of ongoing reduction. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, describing a gradual decrease over time.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "continue to lessen" is a grammatically correct and usable verb phrase that describes a gradual decrease or reduction over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is applicable across various contexts, though predominantly found in news, media, and scientific domains. While its frequency is uncommon, the phrase effectively conveys the ongoing process of diminution. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is being reduced and the factors contributing to that reduction. Alternatives such as "keep decreasing" or "gradually diminish" can offer subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persist in diminishing

Replaces "continue" with "persist" and "lessen" with "diminishing", suggesting sustained decrease.

keep decreasing

Uses more common and direct synonyms for both verbs.

progressively decrease

Emphasizes the gradual nature of the reduction.

gradually diminish

Highlights the step-by-step reduction.

steadily decline

Suggests a more consistent and unwavering decrease.

consistently abate

Implies a reduction in intensity or severity over time.

recurrently weaken

Focuses on a recurring pattern of reduction in strength.

incessantly ease

Suggests a continuous and gentle reduction.

unremittingly subside

Indicates a continuous decline or settling down.

remain in decline

Shifts focus to the state of declining rather than the action.

FAQs

How can I use "continue to lessen" in a sentence?

Use "continue to lessen" to describe a gradual decrease over time, such as, "We hope that the pain will "continue to lessen" after the surgery".

What are some alternatives to "continue to lessen"?

You can use alternatives like "keep decreasing", "gradually diminish", or "progressively decrease" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "continue to lessen"?

Yes, "continue to lessen" is grammatically correct and means something will gradually decrease or reduce over a period of time. It's a valid and understandable phrase.

What's the difference between "continue to lessen" and "continue to decrease"?

Both phrases are very similar, but "continue to lessen" suggests a more subtle or gradual reduction compared to "continue to decrease", which can imply a sharper or more noticeable decline.