lessening of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lessening of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a reduction or decrease in something, often in a formal or academic context. Example: "The lessening of pollution levels in the city has led to improved air quality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And the artistic payoff is a lessening of fear.

The New Yorker

There must be no going back or lessening of momentum.

The New York Times

To abandon the myth is to concede lessening of danger & discarding the program.

The New Yorker

So we have syphilis itself to thank for the lessening of its symptoms.

The New York Times - Health

"The Philadelphia project seemed to have resulted in a lessening of graffiti".

The New York Times

"We're not asking for any lessening of parking requirements, we're not asking for height changes.

The New York Times

But there has been no lessening of coverage for terrorism in terms of workers' compensation insurance.

The New York Times

"I don't see any lessening of the competition going forward," he said.

The New York Times

These observations coincide with the lessening of her once-overpowering love for him.

The New Yorker

For the Chieftains it meant the lessening of Ireland's economic and cultural isolation.

The New York Times - Arts

How can a lessening of the life-quality produce an increase such as Sense-Perception?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lessening of" when you want to emphasize the process of reduction or the state of being reduced, particularly in formal or academic contexts. For example, "the lessening of restrictions" sounds more formal than "reducing restrictions".

Common error

Avoid using "lessening of" in very informal writing or conversation. Simpler alternatives like "reduction in" or "decrease in" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lessening of" functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying nouns to indicate a reduction or decrease. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, highlighting its applicability in describing the process of something becoming smaller or less intense.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lessening of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase indicating a reduction or decrease. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to modify nouns and describe a process of diminishing. While it's versatile, it is most commonly found in formal contexts, particularly within News & Media, Academic, and Scientific writing. Alternatives like "reduction in" or "decline in" may be suitable for less formal situations. It's important to consider context and tone when choosing the most appropriate phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduction in

Focuses specifically on the act of reducing something.

decrease in

Emphasizes a numerical or quantifiable decline.

decline in

Suggests a gradual deterioration or weakening.

mitigation of

Highlights the act of alleviating or lessening the severity of something negative.

alleviation of

Similar to mitigation, but often used in the context of suffering or hardship.

weakening of

Implies a loss of strength or intensity.

erosion of

Suggests a gradual wearing away or disappearance.

abatement of

Indicates a lessening or suppression, often in the context of legal or regulatory matters.

curtailment of

Emphasizes a restriction or limitation imposed on something.

diminution of

A more formal term for a reduction or decrease.

FAQs

How can I use "lessening of" in a sentence?

The phrase "lessening of" is used to describe a reduction or decrease in something. For instance, "The project aims at the "reduction of" poverty through education and job creation".

What are some alternatives to "lessening of"?

You can use alternatives such as "reduction in", "decrease in", or "decline in" depending on the context. Each carries a slightly different nuance but conveys a similar meaning.

Which is correct, "lessening of" or "lessening in"?

"Lessening of" is the correct and more commonly used form. "Lessening in" is less idiomatic and should generally be avoided.

Is "lessening of" formal or informal?

"Lessening of" tends to be more formal. In informal contexts, consider using phrases like "drop in" or "decrease in" for a more casual tone.