decreasing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decreasing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a reduction in quantity, size, or intensity over time or in a specific context. Example: "The population of the city has been decreasing steadily over the past decade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The shadow science minister has held the seat since 2001, but with a gradually decreasing vote each election, confounding the theory of beneficial incumbency.

The Guardian

While more traditional methods of finding new students remain important, investment in these areas is decreasing.

The Guardian

In the lead-up to Luke's death, Batty had been gradually decreasing the amount of contact they had with Anderson as his threats escalated and his paranoia seemed to worsen.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ultimately the most sustainable way of decreasing demand for the boats is to curb repression in countries like Eritrea, and end wars in countries of transit or origin like Libya and Syria.

The Guardian

The average age, across both sexes, is slowly decreasing.

The Guardian

His newspapers, like others across the country, have been hit by a combination of falling circulation and decreasing advertising volume as more and more people seek their news and ads on the net.

The Guardian

Successive polls in the Muslim world have shown decreasing support for radical Islam and Bin Laden since around 2005.

The Guardian

Average hourly earnings took a hit, decreasing by 5 cents in December, following a 6-cent increase in November.

The Guardian - Business

It will slice £40m off its budget for projects, such as the Green Deal, which were designed to help reduce carbon emissions by decreasing use of power bills, something particularly important for lower income families.

The Guardian

Do we expect these groups to work in harmony or to become competitive over decreasing resources?

The Guardian - Opinion

Till then, Flavien Ndonko an anthropologist at GTZ is optimistic about the impact educating women will have in decreasing the scale of breast ironing in parts of Cameroon.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing trends, use "decreasing" to indicate a continuous reduction over time. For example, "The rate of unemployment is decreasing."

Common error

Avoid using "decreasing" when referring to something that has already been completely eliminated or changed permanently. Instead, use terms like "eliminated", "removed", or "changed". For example, instead of "decreasing the error", use "correcting the error".

Linguistic Context

The term "decreasing" functions as a present participle or gerund, often used to describe an ongoing process of reduction. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts. It commonly modifies nouns or verbs to indicate a diminishing quality or quantity, like "decreasing support" or "decreasing demand."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

19%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "decreasing" functions as a versatile verb form used to describe a process of reduction or decline, commonly found in News & Media and Business contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically sound and suitable for diverse writing scenarios.

As evidenced by numerous examples, "decreasing" accurately depicts ongoing reductions in quantities, values, or levels. When used accurately, it contributes to clear, concise communication. Common errors include its misapplication to already completed actions.

Consider replacing "decreasing" with alternatives such as "diminishing" or "declining" for nuanced expression. Keep in mind the specific intent you have and choose the best-fitting option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Diminishing

Implies a gradual reduction, similar to "decreasing" but can also suggest a loss of importance or influence.

Declining

Often used to describe a reduction in quality, quantity, or health, suggesting a downward trend.

Reducing

Focuses on the action of making something smaller or less, highlighting the active process.

Falling

Suggests a rapid or sudden decrease, often used in the context of numbers or values.

Lessening

Implies a reduction in intensity or degree, often used with abstract concepts like pain or impact.

Dwindling

Indicates a gradual and continuous decrease, often to a very small amount.

Ebbing

Suggests a gradual decline or fading away, often used metaphorically for emotions or strength.

Waning

Implies a decrease in power, influence, or visibility, often used in the context of the moon or seasons.

Shrinking

Indicates a reduction in size or volume, often used for physical objects.

Abating

Suggests a lessening in intensity or severity, often used for storms or pain.

FAQs

How can I use "decreasing" in a sentence?

"Decreasing" is used to describe something that is becoming smaller, fewer, or less over time. For example, "The amount of pollution is "decreasing" due to new environmental regulations."

What are some alternatives to the word "decreasing"?

Alternatives to "decreasing" include "diminishing", "declining", "reducing", and "lessening". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "decreasing" instead of "declining"?

Both "decreasing" and "declining" can be correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Decreasing" implies a continuous reduction, while "declining" can suggest a more general downward trend. Choose the word that best fits the specific situation.

What's the difference between "decreasing" and "reducing"?

"Decreasing" describes a process of becoming smaller, while "reducing" implies an action taken to make something smaller. For example, "The company is "decreasing" its carbon footprint by "reducing" energy consumption."