it shrank by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it shrank by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a reduction in size, amount, or value, often followed by a specific measurement or percentage. Example: "The company's profits shrank by 15% this quarter compared to last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

It shrank by 5% in 1999, its biggest annual fall since records began.

The Economist

It shrank by $4 billion with Japan, to $66 billion.

The New York Times

In the first quarter it shrank by that amount.

The Guardian

It shrank by only — only — 5.3 percent in the first three months of the year.

The New York Times

The Greek economy remains in a wretched state — it shrank by 7.5 percent in the fourth quarter.

The New York Times

America's economy may be just entering recession; between 1929 and 1933 it shrank by more than a quarter.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

If you squint, you can see it shrinking by Day 3.

The New York Times - Health

Like many towns in the county, it shrinks by the day.

The New York Times - Food

It's practising "creative depopulation" – trying to make sure it gets younger and more innovative, even as it shrinks, by attracting youthful newcomers weary of big-city life to work in new rural industries.

Independent

The south remains a huge drag: in broad terms, GDP in the north may grow by as much as 3% a year, but in the south it shrinks by 2%, pulling the average down.

The Economist

As the film dries, it shrinks by as much as 10%, depending upon the exact formulation.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it shrank by", ensure that "it" clearly refers to a previously mentioned subject. This avoids ambiguity and maintains clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it shrank by" when the subject is plural. For example, instead of "They shrank by", use "They decreased by" or "They were reduced by".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it shrank by" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a reduction in size, quantity, or value. The pronoun "it" refers to a previously mentioned subject, and "shrank" is the past tense of "shrink", followed by "by" to introduce the amount of reduction. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable and correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it shrank by" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a reduction in size, amount, or value. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. It is most frequently used in news and media contexts to report on economic changes, environmental impacts, and statistical data. While generally neutral in tone, more formal contexts might benefit from synonyms like "decreased" or "contracted". When employing the phrase, ensure the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Common errors include incorrect subject-verb agreement, especially with plural subjects. Top authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Economist frequently use this phrase, solidifying its place in standard English usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it decreased by

Focuses on the numerical reduction, emphasizing the extent of the decrease.

it reduced by

A general term for making something smaller or less in amount.

it declined by

Implies a gradual reduction, often used in economic or statistical contexts.

it fell by

A simple and direct way to express a reduction.

it contracted by

Commonly used in economic contexts to describe a reduction in the size of an economy or market.

it was reduced by

Passive voice construction emphasizing the action of reduction.

it diminished by

Suggests a more subtle or gradual reduction in size or importance.

it dropped by

Suggests a sudden or abrupt decrease.

it lessened by

Indicates a reduction in intensity or degree.

it tapered off by

Implies a gradual decrease, often over a period of time.

FAQs

How can I use "it shrank by" in a sentence?

Use "it shrank by" to indicate a reduction in size, amount, or value. For instance, "The company's profits shrank by 20% due to the economic downturn."

What are some alternatives to "it shrank by"?

You can use alternatives such as "it decreased by", "it declined by", or "it reduced by" to express a similar meaning with slightly different nuances.

Is "it shrank by" formal or informal?

"It shrank by" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in more formal settings, you might prefer alternatives like "it decreased by" or "it contracted by".

What's the difference between "it shrank by" and "it grew by"?

"It shrank by" indicates a reduction, while "it grew by" indicates an increase. For example, "The economy shrank by 5%" means the economy became smaller, whereas "it grew by 5%" means it became larger.