decrease in altitude

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decrease in altitude" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing changes in height, particularly in contexts related to aviation, geography, or physical activities like hiking. Example: "As the plane began its descent, we experienced a noticeable decrease in altitude."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

This is meant to cause a gradual decrease in altitude and in turn land the craft gracefully.

Cornell University

The decrease in altitude of the ion line by ∼10 km and changes in electron density have been modelled.

Advances in Space Research

To the north and northeast of the highlands, the plain is traversed by low ridges that decrease in altitude as they approach the coast.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Paleoaltimetry based on δ18O in fossil gastropods suggests a 1.0 to 1.5 km decrease in altitude at Zada Basin in the southern TP during the late Miocene (Murphy et al. 2009).

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

Soon thereafter, the March 20 (M20) curves decrease in altitude with time until 2100 LST; the impression is that the PSSR must have been nearly zero on this night.

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

A linear fit to the data points gives an initial altitude of 330 ± 7 km and a decrease in altitude of 0.94 ± 0.15 km per orbit, or a decrease in the altitude of the top of the ionosphere by 74 ± 12 km from orbit 1 to orbit 79, a period of 39 days.

Earth, Planets and Space

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

At higher altitudes, spruce and fir predominate, and they decrease in height with altitude, forming tree lines at the upper limits.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A: As I said at the conclusion of my statement, not all the data is in, but we do have indications that the people on the ship were led to believe, from the flow of information -and we are reconstructing this now - that the aircraft was not only on steady bearing and closing, but that it had gone up in altitude and was increasing - or decreasing in altitude as it neared the ship.

The New York Times

The sites (ID 13, 15, 20, 54, 78) are situated in the direction of the prevailing wind flow, and the landscape of this region decreases in altitude in this direction.

Geochemical Transactions

Associated vertical lines emphasize the steady decrease in this altitude over time during the primary mission.

Earth, Planets and Space

We hypothesized that the occurrence of debarking and sapling density would increase and decrease in low altitude and abundant grassland.

Forest Ecosystems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing aircraft or spacecraft movements, use "decrease in altitude" to clearly indicate a downward trajectory or landing maneuver.

Common error

Avoid using "decrease in altitude" when you actually want to specify the speed of descent. Instead, use "descent rate" to accurately convey how quickly the altitude is changing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decrease in altitude" functions primarily as a noun phrase that denotes a reduction in vertical distance above a reference point, often sea level. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

News & Media

7%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decrease in altitude" is a grammatically sound noun phrase signifying a reduction in height or elevation, particularly relevant in scientific, geographical, and aviation contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It's synonymous with terms like "reduction in height" or "altitude drop", but distinct from "descent rate", which specifies the speed of descent. Predominantly found in scientific and encyclopedic sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various communication levels. Remember that although seemingly interchangeable, altitude and elevation have specific nuances, making the phrase "decrease in altitude" most common within specific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decrease in elevation

Replaces "altitude" with the synonym "elevation".

reduction in elevation

Combines 'reduction' with 'elevation' for a synonymous expression.

altitude reduction

A more direct and concise phrasing.

lowering of altitude

Uses 'lowering' to express the reduction in height.

reduction in height

Emphasizes the vertical distance being lessened.

loss of elevation

Highlights the disappearance of height above a reference point.

altitude drop

Uses a more concise noun phrase to indicate a reduction in height.

descent in elevation

Similar to 'descent', but more explicitly specifies elevation.

descent

Focuses on the act of moving downwards, implying a reduction in altitude.

falling

Suggests a continuous downward motion, resulting in a lower altitude.

FAQs

What is another way to say "decrease in altitude"?

You can use phrases such as "reduction in height", "descent", or "altitude drop" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "decrease in altitude"?

Yes, "decrease in altitude" is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in contexts related to aviation, geography, and science.

What's the difference between "decrease in altitude" and "decrease in elevation"?

The terms "altitude" and "elevation" are often used interchangeably, so "decrease in altitude" and "decrease in elevation" are essentially synonymous. However, "elevation" might be preferred in geographical contexts.

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

You might say, "The pilot announced a gradual "decrease in altitude" as the plane approached the airport" or "The "decrease in altitude" of the ion line was observed and modeled".