lower the quality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lower the quality" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe decreasing certain factors, such as reducing the quality of a product or service. For example, "Due to the budget cuts, his employer had to lower the quality of the materials they used in their products."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It seems odd that they don't realize that the lower the quality, the lower the demand.

The New York Times

It is pure and simple: the less government money, the lower the quality of higher education.

The Guardian - Opinion

The more channels that are squeezed on to DAB, the lower the quality will be.

The Guardian

"It was coming to the point where we would really have to lower the quality of education".

The New York Times

When airlines eliminate food, pillows, magazines and the like, they further lower the quality of the service.

The New York Times

In other words, the less you charge, the lower the quality of your university appears to be.

The Guardian

Generally, the smaller the number of dots per inch, the lower the quality of the printed image.

The New York Times - Tech

They were urged to hire assistants but they clung to their own methods and did not lower the quality.

The New Yorker

Critics had contended that would lower the quality of Head Start and reduce the money available for children.

The New York Times

Gove's policy will lower the quality of education in this country and should be resisted at all costs.

The Guardian

"Everyone enjoys a good upset but when you have too many it can sometimes lower the quality and excitement level towards the end of the competition.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts, ensure the subject being affected is clearly defined. For example, instead of saying, "This will lower the quality," specify, "This policy will "lower the quality" of patient care."

Common error

Avoid using the phrase in overly broad statements without context. For instance, stating "Cutting costs will always "lower the quality"" is not necessarily true. Provide specific reasons or examples to support your assertion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lower the quality" functions as a verb phrase where "lower" acts as a transitive verb and "the quality" functions as the direct object. The phrase describes the action of reducing the standard or grade of something. As supported by Ludwig, it is commonly used to express a reduction in the excellence or value of a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lower the quality" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a reduction in the standard or excellence of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English across diverse contexts. Its frequency is rated as "Very common", with prominent usage in "News & Media", "Science", and "Formal & Business" domains. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the subject being affected is clearly defined to avoid overgeneralizations. Related phrases like "degrade the standard" or "sacrifice the quality" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compromise the standard

Suggests an agreement to accept a lower level of quality than desired.

sacrifice the quality

Implies a deliberate choice to prioritize something else over quality.

degrade the standard

Emphasizes a decline from a previously acceptable standard.

diminish the excellence

Highlights the reduction of superior attributes or features.

impair the caliber

Focuses on damaging or weakening the inherent quality or ability.

reduce the grade

Suggests a formal assessment of quality being decreased.

cheapen the make

Implies that the price affects the resulting quality.

corrupt the essence

Highlights a more profound and detrimental degradation of fundamental aspects.

water down the value

Suggests diluting or weakening the significance and integrity of the product or service.

debase the character

Focuses on harming or diminishing the defining attributes of the object in question.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "lower the quality" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives like "degrade the standard", "sacrifice the quality", or "compromise the standard" depending on the specific context.

What does it mean to "lower the quality" of something?

To "lower the quality" of something means to reduce its value, standard, or degree of excellence. This can happen through various means, such as using inferior materials, reducing effort, or cutting corners.

Is it always negative to "lower the quality"?

While often negative, "lowering the quality" can sometimes be a strategic decision, like to reduce costs and reach a broader market. The implications depend heavily on the specific context and goals.

What are some factors that can "lower the quality" of a product?

Factors that can "lower the quality" of a product include using cheaper materials, reducing the amount of time spent on manufacturing, cutting corners in design, or reducing the level of quality control.