decreasing in number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decreasing in number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where the quantity of something is diminishing over time. Example: "The population of the endangered species is decreasing in number, raising concerns among conservationists."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Family-run backyard rodeos in Iowa and across the country separate themselves with a blend of competition and camaraderie, but they are decreasing in number.

The New York Times

This brown, chicken-sized bird was an important resource for native New Zealanders and European settlers, but is now decreasing in number.

Britannica

Likewise, when fat is utilized by the body, adipose cells shrink in size, as opposed to decreasing in number.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Gasoline outlets have been decreasing in number since the early 1980s as retailers attempt to cover rising fixed costs in the face of static demand and strong consumer resistance to price increases.

Harvard Business Review

The members of the sculpin family (Cottidae) are widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere, reaching their greatest diversity in North America and decreasing in number westward through the Eurasian landmass.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The dechlorination rate of chlorinated phenols increases with decreasing in number of -Cl attached to aromatic ring, which can be predicted by the total charge of the aromatic ring, exhibiting an inversely linear relationship with the dechlorination rates.

Journal of Hazardous Materials

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Then, the males will start to seriously decrease in numbers.

Vice

"Liberals are decreasing in numbers," he said.

The New York Times

Family farms are increasing in acreage but decreasing in numbers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He closed with the following: "...this bird is decreasing in numbers.

Huffington Post

African lions have been decreasing in numbers steadily over the past years, yet most people were unaware because of the ease of seeing prides in national Parks and Reserves.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "decreasing in number" when you want to clearly and neutrally describe a reduction in the quantity of something. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "decreasing in number" in situations where a more vivid or descriptive term would be more impactful. For instance, instead of saying "sales are decreasing in number", consider "sales are plummeting" for a stronger effect if the context allows.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decreasing in number" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used to modify a noun and indicate a reduction in the quantity or count of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in describing trends and changes in quantity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decreasing in number" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a reduction in the quantity of countable items. Ludwig AI validates its broad applicability across various contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias. While versatile, it's important to choose more descriptive language when aiming for a stronger impact. Alternatives such as "declining in number" or "falling in number" can offer nuanced variations to suit specific contexts. Remember to use "decreasing in number" when referring to countable things and avoid more vivid language when clarity and neutrality are paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Declining in number

Emphasizes a gradual reduction, similar to "decreasing in number".

Reducing in number

Focuses on the act of making something smaller in quantity.

Falling in number

Suggests a more abrupt or rapid decline.

Diminishing in number

Implies a gradual fading or lessening.

Dwindling in number

Indicates a progressive and significant reduction.

Shrinking in number

Conveys a sense of contraction or becoming smaller.

Lessening in number

Highlights the act of making something less.

Depleting in number

Focuses on the exhaustion or using up of something.

Abating in number

Suggests a reduction in intensity or force.

Waning in number

Implies a decline in power, influence, or extent.

FAQs

How can I use "decreasing in number" in a sentence?

You can use "decreasing in number" to describe a decline in quantity or population. For example, "The number of family farms is decreasing in number" or "The population of bees is decreasing in number due to pesticide use".

What are some alternatives to "decreasing in number"?

Alternatives include "declining in number", "reducing in number", or "falling in number". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "decreasing in number" or "decreasing in quantity"?

"Decreasing in number" is typically used when referring to countable items, whereas "decreasing in quantity" is used for things that are measured but not individually counted. However, "decreasing in number" is a valid substitute in some cases.

What causes something to "decrease in number"?

Various factors can cause something to decrease in number, including environmental changes, economic pressures, disease, and policy changes. The specific cause depends on what is being counted.