decreased in size

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decreased in size" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that has become smaller or reduced in dimensions or volume. Example: "After the drought, the lake has significantly decreased in size, affecting the local ecosystem."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Families decreased in size.

The Washington Post

Demonstrations have gradually decreased in size and emotion.

The New York Times

Album art decreased in size years ago in the move from vinyl records to CD's.

The New York Times - Tech

Eighteen of 42 lesions (43%) decreased in size; 23 tumors (55%) remained stable.

Stanford University

It drew mainly from the less-disadvantaged routine-in-clustered cohort, which decreased in size by almost four percentage points.

Harvard Business Review

Protests in the city decreased in size after his apparent endorsement of the Assad regime last year.

The Guardian

Christensen is chiefly concerned with an era, beginning in the late nineteen-seventies, when disk drives decreased in size from fourteen inches to eight, then from eight to 5.25, from 5.25 to 3.5, and from 3.5 to 2.5 and 1.8.

The New Yorker

The experimental results demonstrated that as the Ag-GNSs content increased, the number of intermetallic particles gradually decreased in size.

Materials Science and Engineering: A

In six of the 13 patients, all tumors decreased in size by at least 50%.

Science Magazine

They were spaced at approximately 10- to 20-m intervals and decreased in size.

Earth, Planets and Space

When the stress was relaxed, the twins decreased in size, but did not disappear.

Chemistry Central Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "decreased in size" when you want to clearly and directly state that something has become smaller. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While grammatically correct, consistently using "decreased in size" in casual conversation or informal writing can sound overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "got smaller" or "shrunk" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decreased in size" functions as a verb phrase indicating a change in dimension. It's commonly used to describe a reduction in the physical size of an object or area, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decreased in size" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate a reduction in dimensions or volume. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. While versatile, it's important to consider the context; simpler alternatives might be more appropriate for informal settings. The phrase appears most often in scientific and news-related content, making it a valuable term for both technical and general audiences. Therefore, use it to accurately and clearly describe reductions in size, but remember to adjust your vocabulary based on the formality of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shrunk in size

Emphasizes the physical reduction, implying a contraction or compression.

reduced in size

Focuses on the action of making something smaller, often intentionally.

diminished in size

Suggests a gradual decrease, often implying a loss of importance or significance alongside the physical reduction.

got smaller

A simpler, more informal way of saying something decreased in size.

lessened in size

Implies a reduction in magnitude or degree, suitable when the size is not a primary focus.

contracted in size

Suggests a shrinking or drawing together, often used in technical or scientific contexts.

declined in size

Indicates a gradual decrease, often used in formal or statistical contexts.

tapered off

Implies a gradual reduction towards a point, often used when describing a shape or quantity.

shrank in dimensions

Specifically refers to a reduction in measurable aspects.

abated in scale

Suggests a lessening of intensity or scope, with the size being a secondary consideration.

FAQs

What does "decreased in size" mean?

The phrase "decreased in size" means that something has become smaller or reduced in its dimensions or volume.

How can I use "decreased in size" in a sentence?

You can use "decreased in size" to describe a reduction in the physical dimensions of an object or area. For example, "After the treatment, the tumor "shrunk in size"."

What are some alternatives to "decreased in size"?

Some alternatives to "decreased in size" include "shrunk in size", "reduced in size", or "diminished in size". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "decreased in size" formal or informal?

"Decreased in size" is generally considered neutral to formal. In more casual contexts, you might prefer a simpler term like "got smaller".