decrease

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "decrease" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a decrease in size, amount, or degree. For example, "The number of employees decreased from 50 to 40."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We hoped this would decrease the prescribing rates of medication with referral to a psychologist being substituted as first-line treatment for mild to moderate disorders.

The Guardian

Tatlow added: "A requirement to fund free tuition is more likely to increase rather than decrease fees in those universities with more free school meal students.

The Guardian

"We are seeing a 75% decrease in sickness especially water-borne disease such as parasite infections," says Geovanny Santamaria, from global health group Map Ecuador.

The Guardian

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 11.09am ET16 09 Rep Carolyn Maloney asks whether January's weak jobs report has caused the Fed to consider slowing the "taper" – its plan to decrease asset purchases.

The Guardian - Business

The industry has also focused its attention on border states – Florida, California, and New Mexico – all of which face overcrowding in part due to waves of immigrants; even if state prison populations decrease, after all, stricter border enforcement creates federal detainees.

The Guardian - Opinion

"My proposal to chief executives of large media companies is to bring focus, speed and framework within which we can rigorously develop and accelerate launches effectively and decrease the risks inherent in new launches".

The Guardian

which basically gives you a flat or forefoot landing, you get a dramatic decrease in issues there.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Meanwhile, case of E.Coli resistant to the main antibiotics used to fight them have risen too - with a slight decrease recently.

The Guardian

If retailers have been able to charge consumers more than the actual cost of the subsidy, then this would increase, not decrease, the cross-subsidy (it would be a cross-subsidy from consumers to retailers, but mostly paid by those without solar).

The Guardian - Opinion

As new Ebola cases start to decrease – along with much of the media attention – the wider and longer-term implications for the people in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea are becoming increasingly clear.

The Guardian

The areas where prostitution is allowed are equipped with CCTV cameras and regularly patrolled, leading to a decrease in violence, campaigners say.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "decrease", ensure clarity by specifying what is decreasing and by how much, especially in technical or scientific writing. This provides context and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "decrease" to describe a person's actions on themselves (e.g., "I will decrease myself"). It's more appropriate to say "I will reduce" or "I will lessen" something about myself, such as "I will decrease my calorie intake."

Linguistic Context

The word "decrease" primarily functions as a verb, indicating the action of becoming smaller or less. As supported by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It also operates as a noun to refer to the amount by which something is reduced.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

31%

Science

31%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "decrease" is a versatile term used to describe a reduction in size, amount, intensity, or degree. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. As a verb, it signifies the action of diminishing, and as a noun, it refers to the amount of reduction. Commonly found in news, business, and scientific contexts, "decrease" maintains a neutral register. When using "decrease", specify the subject and amount of reduction for clarity. Alternatives include "reduce", "decline", and "diminish", each carrying slightly different nuances. "Decrease" is a valuable word in both writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fall

Changes the word choice, replacing "decrease" with a simpler synonym.

decline

Replaces "decrease" with a more formal synonym, implying a gradual reduction.

reduce

Substitutes "decrease" with a direct and common synonym.

diminish

Replaces "decrease" with a synonym that suggests a gradual reduction in size or importance.

lessen

Substitutes "decrease" with a synonym suggesting a reduction in intensity or amount.

drop

Replaces "decrease" with a more informal synonym, implying a sudden reduction.

shrink

Substitutes "decrease" with a synonym suggesting a reduction in physical size or extent.

slump

Replaces "decrease" with a synonym that implies a sharp or sudden decline.

wane

Replaces "decrease" with a synonym implying a gradual decline in power, influence, or extent.

abate

Substitutes "decrease" with a synonym suggesting a reduction in intensity or degree.

FAQs

How do I use "decrease" in a sentence?

Use "decrease" to indicate a reduction in quantity, size, or intensity. For example, "The company aimed to decrease its carbon footprint."

What words can I substitute for "decrease"?

You can use alternatives like "reduce", "decline", or "diminish", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "decrease down"?

No, "decrease down" is redundant. The word "decrease" already implies a downward direction, so adding "down" is unnecessary.

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

"Decrease" generally refers to a reduction in quantity or size, while "lessen" often refers to a reduction in intensity or severity. For example, "decrease the number of errors" versus "lessen the impact of the mistake."