gradually decreasing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gradually decreasing" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to describe a process, such as a decrease in temperature, that takes place gradually over time. For example: We observed a gradual decrease in the temperature as the day progressed.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gradually decreasing the dosage can help prevent these problems.

Harvard University

"They'll start it out O.K., then they'll start gradually decreasing it," she said.

The New York Times

Before a race, most athletes taper by gradually decreasing the intensity and duration of their workouts.

The New York Times

The muscle mass continues to increase through the mid-20s, thereafter gradually decreasing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Further increasing the thickness would lead to the insignificantly or gradually decreasing responses.

Journal of Colloid and Interface Science

In traditional BAB algorithms for subset selection problems, pruning is performed downwards (gradually decreasing subset size).

Computers & Chemical Engineering

Families earning less than $65,000 will still receive a subsidy of 85% gradually decreasing to 50% for those earning $170,00 a year.

The Guardian

Moving southward, tundra climate occurs at gradually decreasing elevations until it reaches sea level in southern Tierra del Fuego.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ms. Bouchard and her assistant stayed day and night with the animals for the first few weeks, gradually decreasing the time spent with them after that.

The New York Times - Science

Amorphous (non-crystalline) substances such as glass or pitch melt by gradually decreasing in viscosity as temperature is raised, with no sharp transition from solid to liquid.

Britannica

For multilayer structures with gradually decreasing anistropy in each layer the coercive field can be decreased even further.

Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gradually decreasing" to describe trends or processes where the reduction is not abrupt but happens incrementally over time. This phrase is useful when precision is needed, such as in scientific reports or financial analyses.

Common error

Avoid using "gradually decreasing" when describing a sudden or abrupt drop. If the decrease happens rapidly, use phrases like "sharply declined" or "suddenly dropped" instead. "Gradually decreasing" implies a slow, consistent reduction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gradually decreasing" functions as an adjectival modifier, typically describing a noun representing a quantity or degree. It indicates that the quantity is reducing in a slow, steady manner. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gradually decreasing" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to describe a slow, steady reduction over time. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage across diverse fields. The phrase is versatile, fitting comfortably in both formal and neutral registers. While it appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts, it is important not to confuse it with sudden decreases, which require different terminology. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can use "gradually decreasing" effectively to convey precise information about trends and processes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

successively decreasing

This alternative emphasizes the sequential nature of the decrease, implying it happens in steps or stages.

steadily diminishing

This suggests a consistent and unvarying rate of decline.

regularly diminishing

Similar to "steadily diminishing", but emphasizes the consistent timing of the decline.

progressively dwindling

Implies a continuous and ongoing reduction, often leading to a near-complete disappearance.

incrementally reducing

Highlights that the decrease occurs in small, measurable steps.

continuously lessening

Focuses on the uninterrupted nature of the decreasing action.

slowly declining

Emphasizes the pace of the reduction as being unhurried.

gradually subsiding

Suitable for describing the reduction of something that was initially intense, like a feeling or noise.

attenuating over time

A more formal way to express a gradual weakening or reduction.

tapering off

Suggests a reduction that starts at a high level and gradually diminishes to a low level.

FAQs

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

You can use "gradually decreasing" to describe a process or trend that diminishes over time. For example, "The company's profits were "steadily diminishing" due to increased competition".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "gradually decreasing"?

Alternatives include phrases like "steadily declining", "progressively lessening", or "incrementally reducing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "gradually decreasing" or "decreasing gradually"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning. The choice often comes down to stylistic preference or sentence flow. "Gradually decreasing" often precedes the noun it modifies, while "decreasing gradually" typically follows the noun or verb.

What is the difference between "gradually decreasing" and "rapidly decreasing"?

"Gradually decreasing" implies a slow, consistent reduction over time, while "rapidly decreasing" suggests a sudden and quick decline. The choice depends on the actual rate of change you are describing.