lessen the quantity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lessen the quantity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the reduction of an amount or number of something. Example: "To improve efficiency, we need to lessen the quantity of unnecessary materials in our production process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Despite structural changes PNW LNG made to the proposal to lessen the quantity of dredging required, the combination of construction and operation could still have a serious impact, said Greg Knox, executive director of the SkeenaWild Conservation Trust.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

When the working face passes the borehole by about 150 200 m, the extent of connection between the borehole and gob improves and a lot of low concentration gas is extracted from the gob, correspondingly lessening the quantity of pressure-relieved gas.

International Journal of Coal Science & Technology

Ambient light can, in some individuals, drastically lessen the quality and quantity of the hours slept.

WikiHow

Or at least lessen the load.

The Guardian - Opinion

That would lessen the suffering of the people in Gaza.

The New York Times

The 360 did nothing to lessen the giant's dominance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They lessen the growing pains.

Huffington Post

And lessen the suffering of others.

Huffington Post

Please - do not lessen the debate.

Huffington Post

None of the health insurance schemes significantly lessen the concern.

BioMed Research International

8. Experiment: does removing the exposure lessen the effect?

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for brevity, consider using "reduce the amount" or "decrease the number" as direct alternatives to "lessen the quantity".

Common error

Avoid using "lessen the quantity" in informal contexts; opt for simpler phrases like "reduce the amount" to maintain a natural flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lessen the quantity" functions as a verb phrase with a direct object, where "lessen" is the verb indicating a reduction and "the quantity" is the noun phrase specifying what is being reduced. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lessen the quantity" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that means to reduce an amount or number. Ludwig AI provides examples showing its use across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While alternatives like "reduce the amount" or "decrease the number" may be simpler and more direct, "lessen the quantity" remains a valid choice, particularly when aiming for a slightly more nuanced or formal tone. When writing, be mindful of the context and choose the phrase that best fits the desired level of formality and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduce the amount

Changes the verb from "lessen" to "reduce" while keeping the noun as "amount".

decrease the volume

Replaces "quantity" with "volume", suggesting a reduction in size or capacity.

lower the number

Substitutes "quantity" with "number", implying a countable reduction.

diminish the extent

Uses "diminish" instead of "lessen" and "extent" instead of "quantity", indicating a reduction in scope or degree.

curtail the magnitude

Employs "curtail" and "magnitude" for a more formal tone, suggesting a controlled reduction in size or importance.

alleviate the burden

Shifts from a numerical reduction to a figurative reduction of weight or pressure.

mitigate the impact

Focuses on reducing the effect or consequence of something rather than a direct quantity.

ease the intensity

Addresses the reduction of strength or force rather than a measurable quantity.

lighten the load

Similar to "alleviate the burden", but with a more informal tone.

temper the force

Suggests moderating or weakening the power or strength.

FAQs

How can I use "lessen the quantity" in a sentence?

You can use "lessen the quantity" when you want to talk about reducing the amount of something. For example, "Structural changes were made to "lessen the quantity" of dredging required".

What phrases are similar to "lessen the quantity"?

Alternatives include "reduce the amount", "decrease the number", or "diminish the extent". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "lessen the quantity" formal or informal?

"Lessen the quantity" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. In very informal contexts, simpler phrases like "reduce the amount" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "lessen the quantity" and "reduce the quantity"?

The difference is subtle. "Reduce the quantity" is more direct and commonly used, while "lessen the quantity" has a slightly more formal or nuanced tone, implying a gradual reduction.