decreases to a minimum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decreases to a minimum" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a process or trend that reduces in quantity or intensity until it reaches the lowest possible point. Example: "As the temperature drops during the night, it decreases to a minimum before dawn."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

In the South Atlantic up to latitude 40° S, the temperature first decreases to a minimum between 3,000 and 4,000 feet (900 and 1,200 metres).

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, for angle dependent current, it decreases to a minimum value and then increases with angle.

Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials

With an increase of temperature, total emittance of the powdered sample decreases to a minimum value around 1200 K.

Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science

Once the thermal efficiency decreases to a minimum acceptable level, cleaning of the equipment becomes necessary to restore the performance.

Energy

And the energy cost decreases to a minimum value then increases along with the increase of the net buoyancy.

Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering

The mean solar wind velocity decreases to a minimum just before the stream interface and then steeply rises to a maximum 2 days later.

Earth, Planets and Space

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

At high pH the EC50 decreased to a minimum value, and the cadmium species distribution was changed considerably.

Applied Water Science

For α ≠ 0, the slip velocity is oscillatory, increasing first to a maximum before decreasing to a minimum before the cycle is repeated.

Boundary Value Problems

The average effluent NH4+-N concentration of Tank 5 decreased to a minimum of 0.89 mg⿿L⿿1, corresponding to a decrease of 84.8% when compared with that before aeration.

Journal of Hazardous Materials

The content of total P was closed with natural forest in the first years then decreased to a minimum level of 0.4378 g/kg in 12 years.

Procedia Environmental Sciences

For the selenized sample, the E g decreased to a minimum of 1.09 eV, which is very close to crystalline silicon.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or trend that involves a decrease, use "decreases to a minimum" to clearly indicate the attainment of the lowest possible value. Ensure the context supports the idea of reaching an absolute minimum, not just a low point.

Common error

Avoid using "decreases to a minimum" when the value might decrease further or is likely to fluctuate. Instead, use phrases like "decreases to a low point" or "temporarily declines" if the reduction isn't absolute or permanent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decreases to a minimum" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the action of something reducing until it reaches its lowest possible level. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage, highlighting its common application in describing processes reaching their lowest point.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

96%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decreases to a minimum" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression, particularly in scientific and technical writing, to indicate that something is reducing to its lowest possible level. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness in describing processes reaching their absolute minimum. While other phrases can convey similar meanings, "decreases to a minimum" is effective for highlighting an action concluding at its lowest extent. When employing this phrase, ensure the context appropriately reflects the attainment of an absolute minimum to avoid misleading the reader. Using "decreases to a low point" might be more appropriate when describing momentary or fluctuating trends. The most frequent contexts are scientific, as demonstrated by the example sentences provided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

declines to the minimum

Uses "declines" which is a more gradual term than "drops".

reaches its lowest point

Focuses on the attainment of the lowest level rather than the action of decreasing.

drops to the lowest level

Uses "drops" to emphasize a rapid decrease.

reduces to its nadir

Uses "nadir" for a more formal and specific term for the lowest point.

falls to the smallest value

Emphasizes the value reaching its lowest quantity.

bottoms out

An informal phrase for reaching the lowest point after a decline.

descends to its lowest ebb

Uses "ebb" to suggest a receding or decline to a low point.

is minimized

Highlights the result of the decreasing action by using the passive voice.

hits rock bottom

An idiomatic expression indicating the lowest possible state, often negative.

tumbles to the floor

A metaphoric phrase emphasizing a sudden and dramatic fall.

FAQs

What does "decreases to a minimum" mean?

It means something is reducing in quantity, size, or intensity until it reaches its lowest possible level. It implies a bottoming-out effect.

How can I use "decreases to a minimum" in a sentence?

Example: "The temperature "decreases to a minimum" overnight before rising again in the morning."

What are some alternatives to "decreases to a minimum"?

You can use alternatives like "reaches its lowest point", "drops to the lowest level", or "declines to the minimum".

Is "decreases to a minimum" formal or informal?

It's generally considered neutral to formal and is frequently used in scientific and technical writing. More informal contexts might use phrases like "hits rock bottom" depending on the intended tone.