gradually reducing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gradually reducing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a process of decreasing something over time, often in a controlled or systematic manner. Example: "The company is gradually reducing its carbon emissions to meet environmental standards."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Concerns about corporate monies being misspent are gradually reducing too.

The Guardian

It would be better than gradually reducing the budget".

The New York Times - Arts

In the interim, the city has been gradually reducing the use of Fresh Kills.

The New York Times

Going forward, we will work sector by sector, gradually reducing carbon risks.

The Guardian

Even before Tuesday's spinoff Loews has been gradually reducing its stake in Lorillard.

The New York Times

It is moving in the opposite direction from developed countries, which are gradually reducing such support.

The Economist

The government is also gradually reducing the tax break for interest payments on mortgages.

The Economist

Then comes the "humanitarian revolution" of the 15th to 18th centuries, gradually reducing despotism, judicial torture and duelling.

The Guardian - Books

I instituted a version of workfare by gradually reducing the feedings and eventually kicking them off the dole.

The New York Times

Staff members assigned to cholera treatment centers was decreasing, it said, as "humanitarian partners are gradually reducing their operations".

The New York Times

To shield itself against further losses, the unit is gradually reducing its portfolio and tightening lending standards.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gradually reducing", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being reduced and over what timeframe. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "gradually reducing" when the reduction is actually minimal or insignificant. Ensure the degree of reduction aligns with the gradual nature implied by the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gradually reducing" functions as a modifier, often used within a verb phrase to describe the manner in which an action (reducing) is performed. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

30%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gradually reducing" is a versatile and commonly used expression that effectively conveys a sense of measured decrease. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. Its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability. When employing this phrase, clarity is key—explicitly state what is being reduced and the timeframe involved. While alternatives like "progressively decreasing" or "slowly diminishing" offer similar meanings, "gradually reducing" strikes a balance between formality and accessibility, making it a strong choice for clear and concise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

progressively decreasing

Focuses on the step-by-step nature of the decrease, emphasizing the incremental changes.

slowly diminishing

Emphasizes the gradual pace of the reduction, suggesting a gentle or subtle decline.

steadily declining

Indicates a consistent and unwavering decrease over a period.

systematically cutting back

Suggests a planned and organized approach to reducing something.

incrementally lowering

Highlights the small, individual steps involved in the reduction process.

bit by bit decreasing

Implies a very slow and careful reduction, done in small increments.

reducing in stages

Emphasizes that the reduction occurs in defined phases or steps.

phasing out

Suggests a gradual elimination of something, often over a predetermined schedule.

tapering off

Similar to phasing out but generally used in a context of amounts of material being removed.

drawing down

Often used in financial or military contexts to describe a gradual decrease in resources or personnel.

FAQs

What does "gradually reducing" mean?

The phrase "gradually reducing" means to decrease something slowly over a period of time. It implies a controlled and measured decrease rather than an abrupt one.

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

You can use "gradually reducing" to describe a variety of situations, such as "The company is "slowly diminishing" its debt" or "The doctor is "steadily declining" my medication dosage".

What are some alternatives to "gradually reducing"?

Some alternatives to "gradually reducing" include "progressively decreasing", "slowly diminishing", or "steadily declining". The best alternative depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "gradually reduce" or "gradually reducing"?

Both "gradually reduce" and "gradually reducing" are grammatically correct, but they function differently. "Gradually reduce" is used as a verb in the infinitive form (e.g., "We will gradually reduce costs"), while "gradually reducing" is used as a gerund or participle (e.g., "We are gradually reducing costs" or "Gradually reducing costs is our goal").