lowered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lowered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of making something lower in position, amount, or intensity. Example: "The temperature has lowered significantly since last night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Members have suggested that the recent reforms to stamp duty, which lowered tax bills for most homebuyers, would lead to an increase in activity and prices over the coming year.

The Guardian - Money

Related: Voting age for EU referendum should be lowered to 16, says SNP Other EU citizens can vote in local elections and European elections, and the Ukip leader Nigel Farage raised alarm at the prospect of their being included, but Number 10 has now rejected this idea.

The Guardian

One bride I designed for took a shapewear slip, attached it to a bra with stick on tabs at the side, and had the back of the bra altered and lowered.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is impossible to count how many variations of the "new year drop" there are around the world, but none are quite as fabulous as Key West's Red Shoe Drop, during which a drag queen named Sushi is lowered to the ground from inside a gigantic high-heeled strutter.

The Guardian - Travel

The European Central Bank is already doing "whatever it takes" to keep the Eurozone ship afloat: interest rates have been lowered to negative territory (the first time this has been done by a major central bank), and additional measures such as longer-term refinancing operation schemes (TLTROs) and an asset-backed securities (ABS) purchasing programme are in effect.

The Guardian - Business

The resulting numbers range from the tense – Everyone Is Very, Very Nervous, as the killings begin – to the lushly melodious London Road in Bloom, in which the residents hymn the hanging baskets which, raised from and lowered to the floor, were one of the most powerful images in Norris's production.

The Guardian

It lowered its forecast for inflation this year to 0.6% from a previous forecast of 0.7%, but Draghi said policymakers did not expect outright deflation, despite a current inflation rate of just 0.3%.

The Guardian - Business

We have lowered our estimates [2014/15/16 estimates cut by 12% /5% /3%espectively] to respectivelyweaker guidance given, and our target price declines to 1,150p (from 1,200p).

The Guardian - Business

Adam: "I'd like to see the voting age lowered to 16, and Miliband said this is something he's into.

The Guardian

The People's Bank of China lowered its benchmark lending rate by 25 basis points to 5.1%, and its one-year benchmark deposit rates by the same amount to 2.25%.

The Guardian - Business

Following the pre-close update where management lowered expectations, we are not expecting surprises in the headline numbers; instead our focus will be on the detail in terms of capital and asset quality.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lowered", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being reduced, either physically or figuratively. For example, "The company lowered its prices" or "He lowered his voice."

Common error

Avoid using "lowered" when a more precise term like "reduced", "decreased", or "diminished" would be more appropriate in abstract contexts. For instance, instead of "lowered expectations", consider "reduced expectations".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "lowered" is as the past tense or past participle of the verb "lower". It indicates an action of making something less high or reducing something in amount, degree, or intensity. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's considered correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lowered" is the past tense of the verb "lower", used to describe the action of making something less high or reducing its intensity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and very common in written English. It appears frequently in contexts such as news and business communication. While related to phrases like "reduced" or "decreased", "lowered" often implies a more direct or physical action. Remember to consider the specific context to choose the most accurate synonym. As a best practice, ensure clarity in your sentences, specifying what exactly has been "lowered".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced

Implies a decrease in quantity, size, or extent.

decreased

Suggests a gradual reduction in amount, number, or intensity.

lessened

Highlights a decrease in intensity, severity, or degree.

dropped

Suggests a sudden or abrupt decrease.

diminished

Highlights a reduction in importance, value, or quality.

descended

Specifically refers to a downward movement or drop in position.

subsided

Indicates a decrease in force, intensity, or activity.

brought down

Indicates a forced or deliberate act of lowering something.

eased

Implies a gradual reduction in pressure, tension, or pain.

curtailed

Emphasizes a restriction or reduction, often in spending or freedom.

FAQs

How is "lowered" used in a sentence?

"Lowered" is the past tense of "lower", which means to move something to a lower position or to reduce something. For example, "The flag was "lowered" at sunset" or "The company "lowered" its prices to attract more customers."

What are some alternatives to "lowered"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "reduced", "decreased", "diminished", or "dropped" to convey a similar meaning. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to express.

When is it appropriate to use "lowered" instead of "reduced"?

"Lowered" is best used when referring to a physical decrease in height or position, or a figurative decrease in intensity or amount. "Reduced" is generally used for quantities or abstract values. For example, you'd say "He lowered the curtain" but "They reduced the price."

Is there a difference between "lowered" and "descended"?

Yes, "descended" typically implies a downward movement, often gradual or continuous, while ""lowered"" implies a deliberate act of making something lower. For example, "The plane descended" versus "The mechanic lowered the car on the lift".