gradually reduce

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gradually reduce" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a process of decreasing something slowly over time. Example: "To improve your health, it is advisable to gradually reduce your intake of sugary foods."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Thus inflation would gradually reduce the real value of the threshold.

The Guardian

Gradually reduce the walking (say, run for a minute, walk for 30 seconds).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And the country must gradually reduce its total debt load, which currently exceeds 250% of GDP.

The Guardian - Business

Graduate accounts typically offer interest-free overdrafts that gradually reduce each year.

The Guardian - Money

The Montreal protocol, which took effect in July, will gradually reduce production of the chemicals.

The New York Times

You may even consider a phased retirement where you gradually reduce your working hours.

The New York Times

It would extend the current payroll tax cut but gradually reduce the duration of unemployment benefits.

The New York Times

The levy will gradually reduce over next years; Instead, Osborne said he would charge an extra 8% on banks' profits.

The Guardian

The simplest solution, they argue, would be to gradually reduce the number of hours expected of employees.

The New Yorker

"You cannot just disconnect the two economies, but you can gradually reduce interaction, and reduce the economic volatility".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Gradually reduce your dependency – you don't have to go cold turkey.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising lifestyle changes, use "gradually reduce" to encourage a sustainable approach rather than abrupt changes. For example, "To improve your health, gradually reduce your intake of sugary drinks".

Common error

While "gradually reduce" is suitable for general advice, avoid it in highly technical or scientific writing where more precise terms like "attenuate", "modulate", or "decrease linearly" might be more appropriate. Technical fields require precise language, which may render "gradually reduce" too informal or imprecise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gradually reduce" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as the predicate in a sentence. It indicates an action of decreasing something slowly over a period. Ludwig examples showcase its use in contexts ranging from health to economics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Wiki

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gradually reduce" is a versatile and grammatically sound verb phrase, widely used to advise or describe a measured decrease over time. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific and technical writing. While "gradually reduce" is appropriate for general and professional use, consider more precise terms in highly technical contexts. Remember, the key is to implement slow, sustainable change. The phrase appears most often in News & Media and Science sources, reflecting its applicability to both reporting on incremental changes and recommending strategies for controlled reduction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slowly decrease

This alternative emphasizes the slowness of the reduction.

progressively lessen

This alternative suggests a consistent and incremental decrease.

steadily diminish

This alternative implies a continuous and unwavering reduction.

incrementally lower

This alternative highlights the small steps in the reduction process.

moderately curtail

This alternative suggests a restrained and controlled reduction.

systematically abate

This alternative indicates a planned and orderly reduction.

easedown

Implies a gentle and comfortable decrease.

phase out

Suggests removing something in stages.

taper off

Conveys a gradual decline, often used in contexts like medication dosage.

mitigate over time

Implies a reduction in severity or impact over a period.

FAQs

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

You can use "gradually reduce" to describe a process of slowly decreasing something over time. For example, "To minimize withdrawal symptoms, "gradually reduce" your caffeine intake".

What are some alternatives to saying "gradually reduce"?

Alternatives include phrases like "slowly decrease", "progressively lessen", or "steadily diminish". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality. Consider alternatives like "slowly decrease" or "progressively lessen".

Is it better to "gradually reduce" or stop something 'cold turkey'?

Whether to "gradually reduce" or stop 'cold turkey' depends on the substance or habit. For addictive substances, gradually reducing is often recommended to minimize withdrawal symptoms. However, for some habits, a clean break might be more effective. Be aware that "cold turkey" may not be the best option for everyone.

What's the difference between "gradually reduce" and "completely eliminate"?

"Gradually reduce" implies a slow, phased decrease, while "completely eliminate" means removing something entirely and immediately. If something has to be removed altogether, it is better to "completely eliminate", but that may not always be an option.