decrease to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decrease to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a reduction in quantity, size, or intensity to a specific level or amount. Example: "The temperature is expected to decrease to 10 degrees Celsius overnight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Winter temperatures decrease to the north.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He attributed the decrease to the weak economy.

The New York Times

Economists had been expecting a decrease to 43.

The New York Times

Mr. Cocola attributed the decrease to better traffic enforcement and to targeted improvements in trouble spots.

The New York Times

CO2 emissions from burning fossil fuels need to substantial decrease to limit climate change".

The Guardian

Suffolk had a 33.1percentt decrease, to 567 cases last year, from 847.

The New York Times

The number of refugees will decrease to 40,000 from 55,800.

The Guardian

America's white population is aging and is projected to decrease to less than 50% by 2050.

The Guardian - Opinion

This allows serum calcium concentrations to decrease to normal levels.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Velocities gradually decrease to about one knot off Cape Hatteras.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Analysts were expecting only a slight decrease, to 55.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "decrease to", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being reduced and to what specific level. For instance, "The price will decrease to $10" leaves no room for ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "decrease to" interchangeably with phrases like "decrease by". "Decrease to" specifies the final value after reduction, while "decrease by" indicates the amount of the reduction itself. For example, "decrease to 10" is different from "decrease by 10".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decrease to" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb to indicate a reduction in quantity, size, or intensity down to a specific level. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "decrease to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for denoting a reduction to a specific quantity or level. As Ludwig confirms, it is widely applicable across various domains, including news, science, and encyclopedic content. To enhance clarity, ensure that your writing distinctly specifies what is being reduced and the resulting final value. Bear in mind the distinction between "decrease to" and "decrease by" to prevent potential ambiguity. Whether you're discussing temperature drops or financial downturns, mastering "decrease to" will help you achieve precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduce to

Implies a deliberate action to lower something to a certain level.

decline to

Suggests a gradual descent or deterioration to a specified point.

drop to

Indicates a sudden or rapid fall to a particular amount or degree.

fall to

Similar to "drop to", but may imply a less abrupt change.

diminish to

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

descend to

Suggests a movement downwards, either literally or figuratively, to a certain state or level.

lower to

A straightforward way of indicating a decrease to a particular level.

shrink to

Implies a reduction in size or quantity, often physically.

slump to

Suggests a sudden and significant decline, often in economic terms.

wane to

Implies a gradual decrease in power, influence, or extent.

FAQs

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

Use "decrease to" to show that something is being reduced to a specific amount or level. For example, "The temperature will "decrease to" 5 degrees Celsius overnight".

What's the difference between "decrease to" and "decrease by"?

"Decrease to" indicates the final amount after a reduction, while "decrease by" indicates the amount of the reduction. For example, if something "decreases to 10", the final amount is 10. If it "decreases by 10", it is reduced by a quantity of 10.

Are there alternatives to the phrase "decrease to"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "reduce to", "drop to", or "fall to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "decrease to a lower number"?

While grammatically correct, it may be redundant. The word "decrease" already implies a reduction. Simply stating ""decrease to" X" is usually sufficient and clearer.