decrease it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decrease it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to reducing the amount, size, or intensity of something. Example: "To improve efficiency, we need to decrease it by at least 20%."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"But whatever the case, to decrease it," he said.

The New York Times

But in the higher court, "If you bribe them, maybe they will decrease it," she said.

The New York Times

He said the stepped-up enforcement had helped stall illegal immigration, and possibly decrease it.

The New York Times

The committee will increase the funds for some groups, and decrease it for others.

The New York Times - Sports

The difference is that I don't want to increase the overall tax burden, but decrease it.

The Guardian - Opinion

An atmosphere could potentially increase the temperature on a planet or decrease it depending on the composition.

The Guardian

I am talking about swaps of the debt that will effectively decrease it to a very big extent.

The Guardian - Business

If you increase order in one place, you must decrease it somewhere else.

The New York Times - Science

Such a technology would not eliminate gun violence, of course, but it certainly would decrease it.

The New York Times

In ordinary, secular fiction, a writer who "takes things down to essentials" is reducing language to increase the amount of secular meaning (or sometimes, alas, to decrease it).

The New York Times

Our goal would be to decrease it 95percentt, and that is one reason to pursue H.D.L therapy, and that is why the proof of principle is important".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "decrease it", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "We need to decrease it," specify "We need to decrease the budget."

Common error

Avoid using "decrease it" without a clear referent. Instead of relying on context, explicitly state what is being decreased to maintain clarity and avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decrease it" functions as a verb phrase, where "decrease" is a transitive verb and "it" serves as the direct object. As shown by Ludwig, it describes an action taken upon something to diminish its quantity, size, or intensity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

35%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "decrease it" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey the action of reducing something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it finds broad application across diverse contexts, from news reports to scientific literature and even wikis. While "decrease it" is acceptable in most situations, ensure that the referent of "it" is always clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "reduce it" or "lower it" can offer subtle variations in meaning, allowing for more precise communication. By keeping these nuances in mind, you can confidently and effectively employ "decrease it" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduce it

Focuses on diminishing the quantity or size of something.

lower it

Implies a reduction in level, amount, or intensity.

lessen it

Suggests a reduction in the degree or intensity of something.

diminish it

Emphasizes a gradual reduction in size, importance, or intensity.

shrink it

Focuses on making something smaller in physical size or extent.

curtail it

Implies limiting or restricting something.

abate it

Suggests a reduction in intensity or severity, often used for abstract things like pain or a storm.

mitigate it

Focuses on reducing the harmful effects or severity of something.

alleviate it

Suggests providing relief by lessening the burden or pain.

suppress it

Implies holding something back or preventing it from developing or being expressed.

FAQs

How can I use "decrease it" in a sentence?

You can use "decrease it" to describe reducing something, for example: "The goal is to "reduce it" by 10%" or "We need to "lower it" to improve efficiency".

What are some alternatives to saying "decrease it"?

Some alternatives to "decrease it" include "reduce it", "lower it", "lessen it", "diminish it", or "shrink it". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "decrease it"?

Yes, "decrease it" is grammatically correct and commonly used, as confirmed by Ludwig and numerous examples from reliable sources. However, ensure the referent of "it" is clear.

When is it appropriate to use "decrease it" instead of "reduce it"?

While "decrease it" and "reduce it" are often interchangeable, "decrease" can sometimes imply a more gradual or controlled reduction, while "reduce" might suggest a more immediate or drastic cut. Consider the nuance you want to convey.