getting progressively smaller

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting progressively smaller" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or object that is decreasing in size or amount over time. Example: "The pieces of the puzzle were getting progressively smaller, making it more challenging to fit them together."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

For one thing, he noticed goldfish getting progressively smaller, making eating a record number of them less of an accomplishment.

The New York Times - Arts

"Size used to be important in skiing but skiers seem to be getting progressively smaller as technology improves," says Nick.

Independent

He takes a "forest to the tree" approach, starting with limbs and getting progressively smaller, analyzing tissue, cells, and finally genes.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

This scenario naturally produces a planetary system just like our own: small, rocky planets with thin atmospheres close to the star, a Jupiter-like gas giant just beyond the snowline, and the other giants getting progressively smaller at greater distances because they move more slowly through their orbits and take longer to hoover up material.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"You start from flat surfaces, and they get progressively smaller," Cutler says.

The Guardian - Money

But on Tuesday, officials said that Mr. Obama had not yet made a decision on the post-2014 force, which is likely to number no more than 9,000 or so troops and then get progressively smaller.

The New York Times

The upward force on the float gets progressively smaller farther away from the child.

Science Magazine

Following an initial lake length of about 7 km (1990), the lake began to get progressively smaller as a result of slow dam incision (Table 2).

Geoenvironmental Disasters

As it's refined, the size of the cocoa and sugar particles get progressively smaller.

Huffington Post

As the droplet with initial radius R0 gets progressively smaller, the geometrical center O moves toward the coverslip so as to provide that the droplet contact angle αR remains constant.

Plosone

The embryo, however, exhibits remarkable precision in setting centrosome size in relation to cell size that get progressively smaller through development.

Bioinformatics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process where elements are systematically reduced, use "getting progressively smaller" to emphasize the continuous nature of the reduction.

Common error

Avoid using "getting progressively smaller" when describing a single, abrupt change in size. This phrase is best suited for gradual, ongoing processes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting progressively smaller" functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating a continuous reduction in size. Ludwig AI validates this usage, offering examples where this phrase is used to describe the diminishing size of various objects or entities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "getting progressively smaller" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe a gradual reduction in size. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's suitable for various contexts, including science, news, and general descriptions. When writing, use this phrase to effectively communicate a continuous decrease in size, and consider alternative phrases like "decreasing in size" or "shrinking steadily" to add variety to your writing. While versatile, remember that "getting progressively smaller" is best used for continuous changes, not sudden shifts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becoming gradually reduced

This alternative emphasizes the gradual nature of the size reduction.

decreasing incrementally in size

This alternative highlights the incremental aspect of the decrease in size.

shrinking steadily

This option focuses on the continuous and consistent reduction in size.

diminishing in size over time

This alternative specifies that the size reduction occurs over a period.

gradually lessening in magnitude

This version uses "magnitude" to refer to size, adding a slightly more formal tone.

becoming increasingly petite

This alternative introduces the word "petite" to emphasize the small size.

progressively minimizing

This option uses the verb "minimizing" which implies an active reduction.

steadily dwindling in size

This alternative uses "dwindling" to suggest a reduction in number and size.

attenuating gradually

This version employs a more technical term, "attenuating", implying a weakening or reduction.

in stages, growing smaller

This option breaks down the size reduction into separate stages.

FAQs

How can I use "getting progressively smaller" in a sentence?

You can use "getting progressively smaller" to describe objects or situations that are diminishing in size over time, such as "The company's market share is "getting progressively smaller" due to increased competition".

What are some alternatives to "getting progressively smaller"?

Alternatives include "decreasing in size", "shrinking steadily", or "becoming gradually reduced", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "getting progressively smaller" and "becoming smaller"?

"Getting progressively smaller" emphasizes a continuous and gradual reduction, while "becoming smaller" can imply a single event or a less consistent change.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "getting progressively smaller"?

It's appropriate in contexts where you want to highlight a gradual reduction in size over time, such as describing the diminishing size of icebergs due to melting or the "getting progressively smaller" font size in a design.