it lessens

USAGE SUMMARY

"it lessens" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a reduction in something or when someone has done something to reduce or make something smaller. For example, "His hard work in the garden paid off; it lessens the amount of weeds".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If you give to receive in return, it lessens its meaning.

The New York Times - Magazine

Light verse precisely lightens; it lessens the gravity of its subject.

The New Yorker

It lessens.

The New York Times

"It lessens the pain".

The New York Times - Tech

"It lessens party spirit and decreases partisanship".

The New Yorker

"I don't think it lessens the stress".

The New York Times

It lessens cooperation with our allies on counterterrorism efforts.

The New York Times

"It lessens coöperation with our allies on counterterrorism efforts.

The New Yorker

It lessens co-operation with our allies on counter-terrorism efforts.

The Guardian

So it cannot surely be the case that it lessens competition in any specific market.

The Guardian

But when feminists start lecturing about wrong choices, it lessens their numbers.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it lessens", ensure that the subject and object are clear to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "it lessens", specify "the new policy lessens the burden on taxpayers".

Common error

While "it lessens" is grammatically correct, overuse in formal writing can make your text sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "it mitigates" or "it reduces" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it lessens" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "it" is the subject and "lessens" is the verb. It indicates that something is causing a reduction in degree, intensity, or amount. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is correct and common in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

33%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it lessens" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase indicating a reduction or decrease. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's correct and applicable in numerous contexts. Its function is to express a cause-and-effect relationship, and while versatile, choosing synonyms like "it reduces" or "it alleviates" may enhance precision in formal writing. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific sources, being mindful of context and audience is crucial to ensure clarity and sophistication in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it reduces

This alternative is a more direct and commonly used synonym, suitable for most contexts.

it diminishes

This alternative implies a gradual decrease, often in importance or quality.

it decreases

This alternative is a general term for making something smaller or fewer.

it alleviates

This alternative suggests a lessening of pain, burden, or difficulty.

it mitigates

This alternative emphasizes a reduction in the severity or impact of something negative.

it eases

This alternative focuses on making something less difficult or troublesome.

it weakens

This alternative implies a reduction in strength, power, or effectiveness.

it softens

This alternative suggests making something less harsh or intense.

it minimizes

This alternative focuses on reducing something to the smallest possible amount or degree.

it curtails

This alternative suggests limiting or restricting something.

FAQs

How can I use "it lessens" in a sentence?

You can use "it lessens" to indicate a reduction in something. For example, "The new medication "it lessens" the severity of the symptoms".

What are some alternatives to "it lessens"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it reduces", "it alleviates", or "it mitigates", depending on the context.

Is "it lessens" formal or informal?

"It lessens" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might prefer synonyms like "it diminishes" for a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "it lessens" and "it reduces"?

While similar, "it reduces" is a more direct and common synonym. "It lessens" can sometimes imply a more gradual or subtle reduction, but they are often interchangeable depending on context. For example "The medicine "it reduces" pain" is more commonly used than "The medicine "it lessens" pain".