gradually diminishes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gradually diminishes" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to describe the gradual decrease or reduction of something over time. Example: The effectiveness of the treatment gradually diminishes as the patient's condition worsens.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

As you get older the number of books with a capacity to change you gradually diminishes.

The Guardian - Opinion

If our imagination is not replenished with experience, the ability to reproduce these feelings in one's playing gradually diminishes".

The New York Times - Magazine

The Vornado's air cone, on the other hand, feels heaviest in the middle; the sweet spot gradually diminishes as you get toward the edges.

The New Yorker

Beyond a man's immediate household, the affection gradually diminishes until he becomes "but little interested" in the well-being of those who are "very remote".

The New York Times

Not all of these choices are risky ones; many of these writers (myself included) now spend a fair amount of time in the ghostly, mnemonic world of international book fairs, in their guise as crowded transit lounges for the nation; here we wait, eat, talk to each other, ignore acquaintances, as the difference between airport, venue and hotel gradually diminishes.

The Guardian - Books

As the US hegemonic dominance gradually diminishes and the list of development challenges that require global co-operation lengthens, it is more than ever in the country's interest to be the champion of a robust and fair system of multilateralism that will navigate the challenges of the 21st century.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Since October, his ability to breathe had gradually diminished.

The New York Times

Last season, ABC used the show four times a week, and its ratings gradually diminished.

The New York Times

The level of respect received from doctors, shop assistants, officials of all sorts is gradually diminishing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was another milestone in the gradually diminishing American military presence in the country.

The New York Times

This view was maintained with only gradually diminishing conviction for at least another 50 years.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gradually diminishes", ensure the context clearly indicates what is decreasing. For instance, specify whether it's "interest", "intensity", or "effectiveness" that's diminishing.

Common error

Do not use "gradually diminishes" when the context already implies a gradual process. For example, avoid phrases like "slowly gradually diminishes", as "slowly" is redundant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gradually diminishes" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a predicate in a sentence. It describes the manner in which something decreases or lessens over a period of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gradually diminishes" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes a process of slow, continuous reduction. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's frequently found in scientific and news contexts and it serves to describe a step-by-step lessening. When employing this phrase, make sure the context clearly specifies what is decreasing and avoid using it redundantly with other adverbs of time, such as "slowly". Alternatives like "progressively decreases" or "steadily dwindles" may be used for stylistic variation. It is a neutral but leans towards formal register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

progressively decreases

Uses "progressively" instead of "gradually" and "decreases" instead of "diminishes", emphasizing the continuous nature of the reduction.

slowly declines

Replaces "gradually" with "slowly" and "diminishes" with "declines", offering a simpler and more direct expression of the same concept.

steadily dwindles

Substitutes "gradually" with "steadily" and "diminishes" with "dwindles", implying a consistent and ongoing reduction to a smaller amount.

moderately lessens

Employs "moderately" instead of "gradually" and "lessens" instead of "diminishes", suggesting a reduction that is neither rapid nor drastic.

incrementally reduces

Replaces "gradually" with "incrementally" and "diminishes" with "reduces", highlighting the step-by-step nature of the decline.

tapers off slowly

Uses the phrasal verb "tapers off" to replace "gradually diminishes", conveying a gentle and gradual reduction in intensity or amount.

attenuates over time

Replaces "gradually diminishes" with "attenuates over time", providing a more formal and technical way to describe a reduction in strength or effect.

eases off bit by bit

Replaces "gradually diminishes" with a colloquial expression, emphasizing the incremental nature of the decline.

fades away slowly

Uses "fades away" to replace "gradually diminishes", indicating a slow disappearance or weakening.

softly abates

Employs "softly" instead of "gradually" and "abates" instead of "diminishes", suggesting a gentle and lessening decrease.

FAQs

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

You can use "gradually diminishes" to describe a process where something decreases over time. For example, "The pain "gradually diminishes" after taking the medication".

What are some alternatives to "gradually diminishes"?

Some alternatives include "progressively decreases", "slowly declines", or "steadily dwindles", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "gradually diminishes" in formal writing?

Yes, "gradually diminishes" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and concise way to describe a gradual reduction. More formal options like "attenuates over time" may also be considered.

What's the difference between "gradually diminishes" and "suddenly diminishes"?

"Gradually diminishes" indicates a slow, continuous decrease, while "suddenly diminishes" implies an immediate or abrupt reduction. The choice depends on the actual rate of decrease you are describing.