modest reduction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest reduction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or moderate decrease in quantity, size, or degree. Example: "The company announced a modest reduction in prices to attract more customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Strong 19S reduction was cytotoxic but modest reduction protected cells from inhibitors.

Stanford University

Yet even that modest reduction in crimes and prison yields cost benefits.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, for parents of children with autism, even a modest reduction would be worthwhile".

The Guardian

Chief Flynn attributed the modest reduction in violence Sunday to local leaders.

The Guardian

A modest reduction in sIPSC amplitude was observed (Supplementary Figure 1B).

Nature

The modest reduction disappointed analysts who had hoped for a cut of half a percentage point.

The New York Times

However, by 14 days, L-NAME-treated cells manifested modest reduction in EC markers CD144, FLK1, and endothelial NOS.

Stanford University

This is achieved through a modest reduction in both taxation and spending".

Independent

He said a modest reduction in the taper rate would instead "leave a bittersweet taste among just about managing families".

The Guardian

"This is why even a modest reduction in funding for physics will result in a catastrophe," he said.

The Guardian

That is a relatively modest reduction when compared with the $12.8bn recorded in the same quarter last year.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of a policy or intervention, use "modest reduction" to temper expectations if the effect is not substantial, maintaining credibility and avoiding exaggeration.

Common error

Avoid using "modest reduction" when the decrease is actually significant. Overusing it can diminish the impact of substantial changes and mislead your audience. If the change is large, use stronger terms like "significant decrease" or "substantial reduction".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest reduction" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "modest" modifies the noun "reduction". As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly describes a small or moderate decrease. This phrase is widely applicable across various disciplines.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "modest reduction" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a slight decrease. As Ludwig AI's analysis shows, it is frequently used in scientific, news, and academic contexts to objectively represent changes without exaggeration. While alternatives like "slight decrease" or "small decline" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance desired. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that the reduction being described is genuinely modest to maintain accuracy and avoid misleading your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight decrease

Replaces "modest" with "slight", emphasizing the small scale of the reduction.

small decline

Substitutes "reduction" with "decline", suggesting a downward trend that is not dramatic.

marginal cut

Uses "marginal" instead of "modest" and "cut" instead of "reduction", implying a minimal and possibly insignificant decrease.

limited lessening

"Limited lessening" conveys a restrained or restricted decrease, suitable when the reduction is intentionally kept small.

minor drop

Replaces "reduction" with "drop", indicating a quick and small decrease.

subtle downturn

"Subtle downturn" emphasizes a barely noticeable decrease or shift.

gentle easing

Suggests a slow and gradual decrease, often used in economic or financial contexts.

inconsequential decrease

Implies that the reduction is so small as to be unimportant or without significant effect.

small-scale reduction

Uses a hyphenated adjective to explicitly state that the reduction is limited in scale or scope.

controlled decrease

Suggests that the reduction is deliberately managed or kept at a specific level.

FAQs

How can I use "modest reduction" in a sentence?

"Modest reduction" is used to describe a small or moderate decrease. For example: "The new policy resulted in a "modest reduction" in crime rates."

What are some alternatives to "modest reduction"?

Alternatives include "slight decrease", "small decline", or "marginal cut", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "modest reduction" in formal writing?

Yes, "modest reduction" is suitable for formal writing as it is a neutral and precise way to describe a small decrease. It's commonly found in academic, scientific, and business contexts.

What's the difference between "modest reduction" and "significant reduction"?

"Modest reduction" implies a small or moderate decrease, while "significant reduction" suggests a larger, more impactful decrease. Use the term that accurately reflects the scale of the change.