number lessened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "number lessened" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used in contexts where you want to indicate a reduction in quantity or count, but it may be clearer to use more standard expressions. Example: "The number lessened significantly after the event, leading to a quieter atmosphere."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Last month the cost of playing EuroMillions increased by 50p to £2.50 a line, and the addition of an extra Lucky Star number lessened the chance of winning the jackpot from approximately one in 117 million to one in 140 million.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

We have discharged one generation of debtors after another, but we do not find that their numbers lessen.

The New Yorker

"We have now imprisoned one generation of debtors after another," Johnson observed in 1758, "but we do not find that their numbers lessen".

The New Yorker

In the 18th and 19th century debtors in Britain were often thrown into jail (as in Charles Dickens's "Little Dorrit"), though Samuel Johnson spotted the flaws of the practice: "We have now imprisoned one generation of debtors after another, but we do not find that their numbers lessen.

The Economist

Results: It was found that the early administration of nicotinamide (2 h after the injection of MPTP) could decrease error numbers, lessen stimulation time and prolong residence duration on the safety platform in the step-down test.

Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior

On the other hand, when ramps are harvested responsibly, the chance of endangering their numbers is lessened drastically.

The New York Times

The median, or middle number, can lessen the impact of estimates at either tail.

Forbes

In these workshops children are trained for understanding feelings and opinions of others as well as their motives, finding multiple solutions to a problem, considering the consequences of their action and sequential planning by utilizing a number of lessen plans.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Follow-up studies will use redesigned mathematics tests that fully cross the categorization levels, although still limit total problem numbers to lessen assessment burden.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

To help supplement their numbers and lessen the degree of your illness, take probiotics.

WikiHow

Pulmonary function decreases because the number of alveoli lessens, expiratory muscles weaken, and there is a reduction in elastic recoil.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more common alternatives like "decrease in number" or "reduction in quantity" for improved clarity and readability. Although "number lessened" is understandable, it is not the most idiomatic choice.

Common error

Avoid using "number lessened" excessively in formal reports or academic papers. While grammatically correct, it can sound awkward. Opt for stronger, more conventional phrases that convey a sense of precision and authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "number lessened" functions as a verbal phrase, indicating that a quantity has been reduced. Ludwig AI notes that while grammatically sound, it is not the most common construction for this meaning.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "number lessened" is grammatically correct, it is not the most common or preferred way to express a decrease in quantity. As Ludwig AI shows, alternative phrases like "decrease in number" or "reduction in quantity" are generally clearer and more idiomatic. The phrase appears across various contexts, including news, science, and general reference, but its infrequent usage suggests it's best reserved for situations where a specific stylistic effect is desired. Using more conventional alternatives will likely improve clarity and readability, particularly in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decrease in number

Replaces "lessened" with "decrease in", making it a more common and direct expression of reduction.

lessened amount

This phrase is quite similar but replaces “number” with “amount”.

reduction in quantity

Substitutes "number" with "quantity" and "lessened" with "reduction in", providing a more formal tone.

decline in count

Uses "decline" instead of "lessened" and "count" in place of "number", offering a slightly different nuance.

drop in figures

Replaces "number" with "figures" and "lessened" with "drop in", suggesting a more abrupt decrease.

fall in total

Uses "fall" instead of "lessened" and "total" in place of "number", implying a downward trend.

reduced amount

Substitutes "number" with "amount" and "lessened" with "reduced", focusing on the magnitude of the decrease.

diminished quantity

Replaces "lessened" with "diminished", indicating a gradual reduction in quantity.

smaller number

Offers a simpler, more straightforward way to express the idea of a reduced number.

lower count

Similar to "smaller number" but uses "count" to emphasize the act of counting or enumeration.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "number lessened"?

You can use alternatives like "decrease in number", "reduction in quantity", or "decline in count" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "number lessened"?

Yes, "number lessened" is grammatically correct, but it's not the most common or stylistically preferred way to express a decrease in quantity. More conventional alternatives are generally better.

In what contexts is "number lessened" appropriate?

"Number lessened" might be appropriate in informal contexts or when aiming for a specific stylistic effect. However, in formal or professional writing, it's advisable to use more standard phrases.

How does "number lessened" compare to "decreased number"?

"Decreased number" is a more common and direct way to express the same idea as "number lessened". The former is generally preferred for its clarity and conciseness.