reduce

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reduce" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of making something smaller, less in amount, or less intense. Example: "To improve our efficiency, we need to reduce waste in our production process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It benefited from Amec's positivity on the oil and gas sector, and also from news that Nomura had moved from reduce to neutral and raised its price target on Weir from £14 to £18.50.

The Guardian - Business

Ms. Coronado estimated that this Summers effect would reduce domestic economic growth by 0.5 to 0.75 percentage point over the next two years, which could reduce job creation by 350,000 to 500,000 jobs.

The New York Times

They could be compensated through some kind of rebate, or a cut in other taxes; it's been proposed, for example, that revenues from a carbon tax could be used to reduce the payroll tax.

The Economist

When it starts to boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

The Guardian

In November 2011 Gloucestershire library users won a high court judicial review against Gloucestershire County Council's (GCC's) plans to close 10 static libraries and all mobile libraries, and reduce opening hours and services at many more, with Judge McKenna quashing the council's plans entirely.

The Guardian - Books

Related: Spy agencies fund climate research in hunt for weather weapon, scientist fears Like so many military experiments, these trials failed but cloud seeding became a reality in 1967/8 when the US's Operation Popeye increased rainfall by an estimated 30% over parts of Vietnam in an attempt to reduce the movement of soldiers and resources into South Vietnam.

The Guardian

Walmart was cited for achieving its commitment to reduce packaging across its global supply chain by 5%, and for its goal of increasing its use of postconsumer recycled plastic in products and packaging by 3bn lbs by 2020.

The Guardian

It will obsess the British political class and reduce Britain's already damaged reputation in the EU to zero.

The Guardian

All sides agreed that diversionary feeding (scattering dead chicks on the moorlands – room service for harriers) was a good way to reduce nesting hen harriers' predation of grouse.

The Guardian

A second way to reduce the impact of harriers on grouse – a method of forced migration known as brood management – proved more contentious.

The Guardian

However, this is not an alternative to good password policies such as using 1Password, LastPass or similar to generate and save passwords to reduce the risk from brute force attacks and similar.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reduce" in technical contexts, ensure clarity regarding what is being reduced and by what means. For example, "reduce emissions by 20% through renewable energy sources."

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "we need to reduce things". Always specify what needs to be reduced, such as "reduce operational costs" or "reduce reliance on fossil fuels".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "reduce" is as a transitive verb, requiring an object to complete its meaning. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is commonly used to express the act of making something smaller, less in amount, or less intense. For instance, one might "reduce costs" or "reduce emissions".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb "reduce" is a versatile and frequently used term that indicates a decrease or lessening of something. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. To ensure clarity, it's crucial to specify what is being reduced. For alternatives, consider "decrease", "lessen", or "diminish" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. While highly versatile, avoiding overuse and ensuring context-specific clarity will enhance the impact and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decrease

Emphasizes a numerical or measurable decline.

lessen

Focuses on diminishing something in degree or extent.

cut back

Indicates a reduction in spending or consumption.

diminish

Suggests a gradual decline or weakening.

scale down

Implies reducing the size or scope of something.

mitigate

Highlights making something less severe or serious.

downsize

Typically refers to reducing the number of employees or operations.

alleviate

Implies easing pain or suffering.

curtail

Focuses on restricting or cutting short.

abate

Suggests a lessening in intensity or force.

FAQs

How can I use "reduce" in a sentence?

You can use "reduce" to describe making something smaller or less. For example, "We aim to reduce our carbon footprint" or "The company plans to reduce its workforce".

What are some alternatives to the word "reduce"?

Alternatives include "decrease", "lessen", or "diminish" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "reduce down"?

While not strictly incorrect, "reduce" already implies a decrease, so adding "down" can be redundant. It's generally better to simply use "reduce".

What's the difference between "reduce" and "mitigate"?

"Reduce" generally means to make something smaller or less, while "mitigate" implies lessening the severity or impact of something, often a problem or risk.