decrease by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decrease by" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a reduction in quantity or value by a specific amount. Example: "The company's profits decreased by 10% this quarter compared to last quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

And on a seasonally adjusted terms, Spanish unemployment did decrease by 3,907 people in January.

The Guardian - Business

One official said amount of city aid to the board would decrease by $350 million.

The New York Times

If it went down 10percentt, my portfolio would decrease by only 5percentt.

The New York Times

The company said in a statement that global demand for automobiles could decrease by another 10percentt in 2009.

The New York Times

The US Energy Information Administration projects that emissions associated with electricity generation will decrease by 8.5% by 2030.

The Guardian

Congress is preventing a fast 2001 tax decrease by debating endlessly who gets what this year and beyond.

The New York Times

In 2008, the global event – which has the backing of the UN – saw violent incidents in Afghanistan decrease by 70%.

The Guardian

Crop yields could decrease by up to 30% at 1.5-2C and by almost 60% at 3-4C.

The Guardian

According to a forecast by the Office for Budget Responsibility, the BBC's annual income will decrease by £745m by 2020.

The Guardian

Europe's biggest economy faces a growing skills shortage with a working-age population due to decrease by six million people over the next 15 years.

The Guardian

At the same time, the study said, energy reliability would decrease by a factor of five, with reserve margins cut almost in half.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "decrease by", ensure the subject experiencing the decrease and the specific amount of the decrease are clearly stated to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "decrease by" without quantifying the reduction. For example, instead of saying "Sales decreased by," specify "Sales decreased by 20%".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decrease by" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a reduction in quantity, value, or degree. It specifies the extent of the reduction from an original amount. Ludwig provides many examples demonstrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decrease by" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate a quantifiable reduction. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is typically used to show a reduction in quantity or value by a specific amount. It's prevalent in news, science, and business contexts, highlighting its versatility. When using "decrease by", be sure to specify the amount of the reduction to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "reduced by" and "declined by". This guide provides a comprehensive overview of its usage, common errors, and related phrases to enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fall by

Replaces "decrease" with "fall", emphasizing the downward movement or drop.

decline by

A formal and widely accepted synonym for "decrease".

recede by

Suggests a gradual decline or withdrawal.

diminish by

Implies a reduction in size, extent, or importance.

lessen by

Focuses on the reduction in intensity or degree.

drop by

Indicates a sudden or sharp reduction.

contract by

Suggests a shrinking or reduction in size or scope, often used in economic contexts.

slump by

Indicates a sudden and significant drop, often used in economic or performance contexts.

erode by

Implies a gradual wearing away or decline over time.

plummet by

Suggests a steep and rapid decline.

FAQs

How do I use "decrease by" in a sentence?

Use "decrease by" to show a reduction in something. For example, "The unemployment rate "fell by" 2% last month".

What are some alternatives to "decrease by"?

Alternatives include phrases like "reduced by", "declined by", or ""fell by"", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "decrease by a lot"?

While understandable, it's better to quantify the amount of the decrease for clarity. Instead of "decrease by a lot", specify the percentage or amount of reduction, or use more descriptive alternatives like "decreased significantly" or "dropped sharply".

What is the difference between "decrease by" and "decrease to"?

"Decrease by" indicates the amount of reduction (e.g., "The price decreased by $10"), while "decrease to" indicates the final value after the reduction (e.g., "The price decreased to $40").