is shrinking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is shrinking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a reduction in size, quantity, or extent over time. Example: "The polar ice caps are shrinking at an alarming rate due to climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The world is shrinking.

The New Yorker

Its population is shrinking.

The New York Times

The workforce is shrinking.

The Economist

It is shrinking.

The New York Times

The population is shrinking.

The Economist

The permafrost is shrinking.

The Economist

The ghetto is shrinking.

The Economist

But his margin is shrinking.

The New York Times - Sports

The budget deficit is shrinking?

The New York Times

But the gap is shrinking.

The New York Times

The Presidency is shrinking again.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is shrinking", ensure the subject and context clearly indicate what is reducing in size, quantity, or scope. For example, specify "the market is shrinking" rather than just "things are shrinking".

Common error

Avoid using "is shrinking" with abstract or intangible subjects where a different verb might be more appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "his anger is shrinking", consider "his anger is subsiding" or "his anger is diminishing."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is shrinking" functions as a present continuous verb phrase, indicating an ongoing process of becoming smaller. As seen in Ludwig, this phrase is frequently used to describe trends, changes, or reductions in size, quantity, or scope.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is shrinking" is a versatile present continuous verb phrase, widely used to describe a reduction in size, quantity, or extent. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently found in news and media sources. While it's suitable for many contexts, it's important to ensure that the subject clearly indicates what is reducing and to avoid misusing it with abstract subjects. Alternatives like "is decreasing" or "is diminishing" may be more appropriate in certain situations. With its high frequency and clear meaning, "is shrinking" remains a valuable tool for expressing ongoing processes of reduction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is decreasing

Focuses on the reduction in quantity or number.

is diminishing

Implies a gradual reduction, often to insignificance.

is contracting

Suggests a reduction in size or scope, often in a business or economic context.

is declining

Indicates a downward trend or deterioration.

is dwindling

Emphasizes a gradual and continuous reduction to a small amount.

is receding

Suggests a movement backward or away, often used in spatial contexts.

is lessening

Highlights a reduction in intensity or degree.

is tapering off

Implies a gradual decrease, often at the end of a process.

is getting smaller

A more literal and straightforward way to express the same concept.

is becoming reduced

Highlights the process of being made smaller.

FAQs

What does "is shrinking" mean?

"Is shrinking" signifies a reduction in size, quantity, or extent. It's used to describe something that's becoming smaller or less over time.

How can I use "is shrinking" in a sentence?

You can use "is shrinking" to describe various scenarios, such as "The company's market share "is shrinking"" or "The polar ice caps "is shrinking" due to climate change."

What are some alternatives to saying "is shrinking"?

Alternatives to "is shrinking" include "is decreasing", "is diminishing", "is contracting", or "is declining", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "is shrinking" versus "is decreasing"?

"Is shrinking" often implies a physical reduction in size or a reduction in scope or extent, while "is decreasing" is more general and can refer to a reduction in number or quantity. For example, "The garment "is shrinking" in the wash", but "The number of customers "is decreasing"".