decreases gradually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decreases gradually" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a slow or incremental reduction in quantity, intensity, or degree over time. Example: "The temperature decreases gradually as the sun sets, leading to a cooler evening."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The amount of sleep children need decreases gradually with age; preschoolers need 10 to 12 hours.

The New York Times

Afterwards the enhancement decreases gradually.

Insights into Imaging

The desorption velocity decreases gradually.

International Journal of Coal Science & Technology

Afterwards, the concrete humidity decreases gradually.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

The PL intensity decreases gradually with increasing temperature.

Applied Surface Science

The amplitude of these variations decreases gradually with increasing latitude.

Earth, Planets and Space

Below this point, the amount decreases gradually to 64%.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

The results showed that the shear strength at the interface decreases gradually with increasing temperature.

Construction and Building Materials

The mass-flow rate decreases gradually when the gap width increases beyond 0.762 m.

Annals of Nuclear Energy

It increases with strain quickly at the beginning and decreases gradually until the fabric fails.

Composites Science and Technology

Results show that the elastic modulus of bamboo decreases gradually from the periphery towards the centre.

Journal of Bionic Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing trends or processes, use "decreases gradually" to convey a slow and consistent reduction, avoiding abrupt or sudden changes in the described variable.

Common error

Avoid using "decreases gradually" when the reduction is rapid or inconsistent. If the reduction is sharp, consider using terms like "drops sharply" or "plummets" instead. Gradual implies a measured, consistent change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decreases gradually" functions as a verb phrase, where "decreases" is the main verb indicating a reduction, and "gradually" is an adverb modifying the verb, specifying the manner of the decrease. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

98%

News & Media

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decreases gradually" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, especially in scientific and technical contexts, as supported by Ludwig AI. It effectively conveys a slow and consistent reduction over time. While alternatives like "diminishes slowly" or "declines steadily" exist, "decreases gradually" provides a clear and widely understood way to describe this type of change. Remember to reserve this phrase for scenarios where the reduction truly is slow and consistent, avoiding its use when the decrease is rapid or erratic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diminishes slowly

This alternative replaces "decreases" with "diminishes" and "gradually" with "slowly", emphasizing the reduction in size or importance happens at a leisurely pace.

declines steadily

Replaces "decreases" with "declines" and "gradually" with "steadily", suggesting a consistent and unwavering downward trend.

reduces incrementally

This version uses "reduces" instead of "decreases" and "incrementally" in place of "gradually", highlighting a step-by-step lessening.

lessens progressively

The words "lessens" and "progressively" replaces "decreases" and "gradually" respectively, emphasizing a forward motion toward a smaller amount.

tapers off

"Tapers off" is a more idiomatic substitute for "decreases gradually", indicating a narrowing or fading out over time.

fades away

This alternative suggests a gradual disappearance or weakening, offering a more evocative image than "decreases gradually".

ebbs away

"Ebbs away" is a phrase typically used to describe the receding of a liquid, but it can metaphorically describe a gradual decline in something intangible.

subsides slowly

This alternative is useful for describing a gradual calming or lessening of intensity.

attenuates gently

This alternative is more formal and technical, suggesting a softening or weakening in a controlled manner.

falls by degrees

This alternative is a more literary or formal way of expressing a gradual decline.

FAQs

How can I use "decreases gradually" in a sentence?

You can use "decreases gradually" to describe a slow and consistent reduction in something over time. For instance, "The temperature "decreases gradually" after sunset".

What are some alternatives to "decreases gradually"?

Alternatives include "diminishes slowly", "declines steadily", or "reduces incrementally". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it grammatically correct to say "decreases gradually"?

Yes, "decreases gradually" is grammatically correct. "Decreases" is a verb, and "gradually" is an adverb modifying the verb, indicating how the decreasing action occurs.

What's the difference between "decreases gradually" and "decreases rapidly"?

"Decreases gradually" implies a slow and consistent reduction, while "decreases rapidly" suggests a quick and sudden drop. The choice between the two depends on the actual pace of the decrease.