dwindle down

USAGE SUMMARY

"dwindle down" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to gradually decrease or diminish in size, amount, or intensity. Example: The company's profits began to dwindle down as competition increased in the market.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

"Those numbers now dwindle down to six.

The New York Times

As the games dwindle down, it's another lost opportunity".

The New York Times - Sports

ANAHEIM The nights dwindle down, and for the Rangers there is no margin of error.

The New York Times - Sports

I unloaded the British coins from my pocket, feeling the douce atmosphere of Fife dwindle down to a name.

The New Yorker

But as it is, something's going to have to go as we dwindle down from here, and I don't know what more that something will be".

The New York Times

Your belly pooches out, ever more parabolic, while your legs dwindle down to mere sticks, two knobby rods with the surface tension of plucked poultry.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

That has dwindled down".

The New York Times

The world dwindled down to the mattress on which I lay and sometimes howled.

The Guardian - Books

Last week, the caliphate finally dwindled down to that one alley, and on Saturday it vanished entirely.

The New York Times

I think my start to this year has meant everything has sort of dwindled down anyway.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's an era that's dwindling down," Mr. Scaduto said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dwindle down" to describe a gradual reduction or decrease, especially when emphasizing that the process happens slowly over time. For example, "The number of attendees began to dwindle down as the conference progressed."

Common error

Avoid using "dwindle down" to describe a sudden or immediate decrease. This phrase implies a gradual reduction, so it's inappropriate for situations involving abrupt changes. Use alternatives like "dropped sharply" or "decreased immediately" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "dwindle down" primarily functions as an intransitive verb, meaning it describes an action that does not take a direct object. It indicates a process of gradual reduction or decrease. Ludwig AI validates that this phrase is commonly used and understood.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sports

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dwindle down" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrasal verb that describes a gradual decrease or reduction. Ludwig AI affirms its widespread use. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, as well as in sports reporting. When using this phrase, it's important to emphasize the slow, steady decline rather than a sudden drop. Consider alternatives like "decrease gradually" or "taper off" for nuanced meaning. Avoid using "dwindle down" to describe immediate changes. This guide provides a complete understanding of how to use "dwindle down" effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decrease gradually

Emphasizes the gradual nature of the reduction.

diminish steadily

Highlights the consistent decline over time.

reduce progressively

Focuses on the step-by-step nature of the reduction.

taper off

Suggests a slow and gentle decline.

peter out

Implies a gradual disappearance or fading away.

fade away

Emphasizes the loss of visibility or importance.

ebb away

Suggests a receding or flowing back, like a tide.

shrink gradually

Focuses on the reduction in size or amount.

lessen over time

Highlights the temporal aspect of the decrease.

fall off

Indicates a decline, often in quantity or performance.

FAQs

How can I use "dwindle down" in a sentence?

You can use "dwindle down" to describe a gradual decrease in something. For instance, "The crowd began to "dwindle down" after the rain started" or "Our supplies began to "dwindle down" after a week on the island".

What are some alternatives to "dwindle down"?

Alternatives to "dwindle down" include "decrease gradually", "diminish steadily", or "taper off". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "dwindle down to nothing"?

Yes, "dwindle down to nothing" is a valid and emphatic way to express that something has gradually decreased until it has completely disappeared. For example, "The company's profits "dwindled down" to nothing after the recession".

What is the difference between "decline" and "dwindle down"?

"Decline" is a more general term for decrease and doesn't necessarily imply a gradual process. "Dwindle down", on the other hand, specifically suggests a slow, gradual reduction. For example, sales may decline suddenly, but resources typically "dwindle down" over time.