gradually decreased

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gradually decreased" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to describe how an amount gradually decreased over time. For example: The number of customers gradually decreased over the course of the week.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Demonstrations have gradually decreased in size and emotion.

The New York Times

That average gradually decreased to 20,221 in 2002.

The New York Times - Sports

TNC deposition gradually decreased until day 14.

EJNMMI Research

Organic matter gradually decreased with density fraction.

International Journal of Coal Science & Technology

After that, the expression gradually decreased.

Botanical Studies

The rejection gradually decreased when the initial NO3− concentration increased.

Heliyon

This value gradually decreased as the rates increased.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The amplitude of the pressure fluctuations gradually decreased.

Petroleum Science

It was observed that MFC voltage gradually decreased over time.

Bioresources and Bioprocessing

The resistance ratio is gradually decreased with elapsed time.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The sevoflurane concentration was gradually decreased, and spontaneous breathing started.

JA Clinical Reports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a reduction, use "gradually decreased" to emphasize that the change occurred slowly and consistently over time. This is particularly effective when contrasting with sudden or drastic changes.

Common error

Avoid using "gradually decreased" when the reduction is actually significant or impactful. While 'gradual' implies a slow pace, it doesn't negate the potential for substantial overall change. Ensure the phrasing accurately reflects the magnitude of the reduction, not just its pace.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gradually decreased" functions as a modifier within a sentence, typically describing the manner in which a noun's quantity or intensity changes over time. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

18%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gradually decreased" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe a slow and consistent reduction over time. Ludwig AI confirms it as correct and usable in many contexts. Its prevalence in scientific and news sources highlights its descriptive precision. Alternatives such as "steadily declined" or "progressively diminished" can be used to vary the language while maintaining a similar meaning. Remember to use "gradually decreased" when highlighting the pace of the decrease is as important as the fact that it decreased.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

steadily declined

This phrase replaces "gradually" with "steadily" and "decreased" with "declined", indicating a consistent and continuous reduction.

progressively diminished

This alternative substitutes "gradually" with "progressively" and "decreased" with "diminished", suggesting a reduction in distinct steps or stages.

slowly lessened

This option uses "slowly" instead of "gradually" and "lessened" instead of "decreased", emphasizing the slowness of the reduction.

successively reduced

This phrase replaces "gradually" with "successively" and "decreased" with "reduced", implying a series of reductions one after another.

incrementally lowered

This alternative swaps "gradually" with "incrementally" and "decreased" with "lowered", emphasizing small, consistent reductions.

moderately declined

This version swaps "gradually" with "moderately" and "decreased" with "declined", indicating a reduction to a limited extent.

gently tapered off

This phrase uses "gently tapered off" to replace "gradually decreased", suggesting a smooth and subtle reduction, particularly suitable for describing quantities or intensities.

eased downward

This option substitutes "gradually decreased" with "eased downward", implying a gentle and controlled reduction.

attenuated over time

This alternative uses "attenuated over time" instead of "gradually decreased", suggesting a weakening or reduction in intensity or strength over a period.

subsided little by little

This phrase replaces "gradually decreased" with "subsided little by little", indicating a slow and steady decline, often used for abstract concepts like feelings or sensations.

FAQs

How can I use "gradually decreased" in a sentence?

You can use "gradually decreased" to describe a situation where something reduces in quantity, size, or intensity over a period of time. For example, "The number of participants gradually decreased after the first week."

What are some alternatives to saying "gradually decreased"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "steadily declined", "progressively diminished", or "slowly lessened", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "gradually decreased" and "suddenly decreased"?

Yes, "gradually decreased" implies a slow and continuous reduction, while "suddenly decreased" indicates an immediate and abrupt reduction. The choice depends on the nature of the change you're describing.

When is it appropriate to use "gradually decreased" instead of "decreased"?

Use "gradually decreased" when you want to emphasize that the reduction happened slowly over time, rather than all at once. It adds detail about the manner in which the decrease occurred.