dwindle to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dwindle to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual decrease in size, amount, or intensity until it reaches a smaller or lesser state. Example: "As the sun set, the light began to dwindle to a faint glow on the horizon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The number of true meaningful games has begun to dwindle to a ludicrous few.

The New York Times

To die of cancer is for your great tragedy to dwindle to other people's anecdotage.

Independent

But on a trip to Mars, the Earth would dwindle to a bluish speck.

The New York Times

Once Russia's richest man, he has seen his fortune dwindle to a paltry $500m, Forbes suggests.

The Guardian

Under the new map, his advantage on paper would dwindle to 6,425.

The New York Times

Baby boomers will dwindle to a quarter of the voting population.

The Guardian - Opinion

The new Council's Republican ranks dwindle to four, down from six.

The New York Times

But by 2007, sales of conventional sets will dwindle to less than half that, analysts say.

The New York Times

Even those 41 will dwindle to zero, he predicted, as more genomes are sequenced.

The New York Times

But in winter, the tourists dwindle to a scattered and hardy few.

The New York Times - Travel

If the school dropped to division I-AA, the number of scholarships would dwindle to 63.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dwindle to" when you want to emphasize a gradual and often undesirable reduction to a smaller quantity or state. It adds a sense of attrition or loss.

Common error

Avoid using "dwindle to" when you intend to describe growth or increase. This phrase specifically denotes a reduction or decline.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dwindle to" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating a process of gradual reduction. Ludwig's examples show how it's used to describe a decline in numbers, resources, or intensity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "dwindle to" effectively conveys a gradual and often undesirable decrease. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts. As this analysis reveals, it is most frequently found in news reporting and scientific literature. When writing, remember that using "dwindle to" emphasizes a reduction or decline, differentiating it from words denoting growth or increase. For related concepts, consider alternatives like "decrease to", "reduce to", or "shrink to".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decrease to

Direct synonym, indicating a reduction in number, size, or intensity.

reduce to

Implies a process of making something smaller or less, sometimes by external action.

shrink to

Suggests a physical or figurative contraction.

fall to

Indicates a descent to a lower level or amount.

diminish to

Suggests a gradual reduction, often in importance or quality.

drop to

A more abrupt or sudden decrease.

lessen to

Indicates a reduction in degree or intensity.

wane to

Suggests a decline in power, influence, or extent, often over time.

subside to

Suggests a calming or settling to a lower level.

decline to

Implies a gradual deterioration or weakening to a lower state.

FAQs

What does "dwindle to" mean?

The phrase "dwindle to" means to gradually decrease in size, amount, or intensity until reaching a very small or insignificant level. It often implies a sense of loss or reduction over time.

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

You can use "dwindle to" to describe something that is gradually decreasing. For example, "The crowd began to "thin out" and eventually "dwindle to" just a few people".

What are some alternatives to "dwindle to"?

You can use alternatives like "decrease to", "reduce to", or "shrink to" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "dwindle to" in formal writing?

Yes, "dwindle to" can be used in formal writing. It is a standard English phrase that is understood in various contexts, including news articles, academic papers, and business reports.