reduce by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reduce by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a decrease in quantity, size, or amount by a specific value. Example: "The company plans to reduce by 10% its overall expenses this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let wine reduce by half.

The New York Times - Food

Add stock and reduce by half again.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Add wine and reduce by half.

The New York Times - Magazine

Add cream, and again reduce by half.

The New York Times - Food

Boil vinegar to reduce by half.

The New York Times - Magazine

Strain the liquor, reduce by half, and reserve.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We have now to reduce by 40% domestically in Europe.

The Guardian

Bring to a simmer, and reduce by half.

The New York Times - Food

Bring to a simmer, and reduce by three-quarters.

The New York Times - Food

Add the white wine and reduce by half.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Place over medium heat, and reduce by half.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions for cooking or chemical processes, use "reduce by" to indicate the desired degree of concentration or evaporation.

Common error

Avoid using "reduce by" when you actually mean "reduce to". For instance, instead of saying "Reduce the sauce by half," clarify if you mean reducing it by half its original volume or reducing it to half its original volume.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reduce by" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of decreasing a quantity or amount. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show its application in contexts ranging from cooking instructions to financial reports.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reduce by" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to indicate a decrease in quantity or amount. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, and examples show its wide application across various contexts like news, business, and science. While alternatives such as "decrease by" or "cut by" exist, "reduce by" remains a common and clear choice. Remember to specify whether you're reducing by a fraction or reducing to a fraction to avoid ambiguity. This phrase's high frequency and varied usage make it an essential part of effective communication, suitable for both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decrease by

Focuses on the action of diminishing a quantity or amount.

lower by

Implies a downward adjustment in a specific measure or level.

cut by

Suggests a deliberate and often significant reduction.

diminish by

Emphasizes a gradual decrease over time or in degree.

lessen by

Indicates making something smaller or less in size or importance.

scale down by

Suggests a proportional reduction in size or scope.

abate by

Focuses on lessening the intensity or degree of something, often a problem.

decline by

Implies a gradual decrease, often used in statistical or economic contexts.

trim by

Suggests a small and careful reduction, often to improve efficiency.

deduct by

Indicates subtracting a specific amount from a total.

FAQs

How do I use "reduce by" in a sentence?

Use "reduce by" to indicate a decrease in quantity or amount. For example, "We need to "cut emissions" to achieve our climate goals." Or, "The recipe requires you to "reduce the sauce" by one-third".

What can I say instead of "reduce by"?

Alternatives include "decrease by", "lower by", or "cut by", depending on the context. Each phrase conveys a similar meaning of diminishing a certain amount.

Which is correct, "reduce by half" or "reduce to half"?

"Reduce by half" means to decrease something by 50% of its original value, while "reduce to half" means to make something 50% of its original value. The correct phrase depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "reduce by" and "reduce from"?

"Reduce by" indicates the amount of decrease, while "reduce from" indicates the original value from which something is being decreased. For example, "Reduce the price by $10" versus "Reduce the price from $50."