reduce gradually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reduce gradually" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a process of decreasing something slowly over time. Example: "To improve your health, it's important to reduce gradually your intake of sugary foods."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"We will keep her on this for a year then reduce gradually," she said.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Now that the risk of serious economic contraction in Australia had passed, Mr. Stevens added, it would be "prudent" to reduce gradually the degree of monetary stimulus that was put in place when the outlook was bleaker.

The New York Times

The economy needs a long-run plan of revenue increases and spending cuts to put the federal budget on a sustainable path that will stabilize and reduce gradually the debt- to-G.D.P. ratio.

The New York Times

So, it is preferable to let the plateau pika population reduce gradually.

Advances in Difference Equations

The separation factors for both as-synthesized and amino-functionalized Mg-MOF-74 membranes reduce gradually with increasing temperature.

Chemical Engineering Science

"That way our numbers can be allowed to stabilise and reduce gradually to a lower, environmentally sustainable level," the organisation says.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Now, the spending is being reduced, gradually.

The New York Times

Also, the agreement called for some import barriers to be reduced gradually.

The New York Times

"Growth rebounds and government debt is reduced gradually over several years".

The New York Times

"Consumers are accustomed to salt and levels need to be reduced gradually to allow taste preferences to adjust.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

ESTATE TAXES The federal tax rate on large estates, currently those valued at $675,000 or more, would be reduced gradually, then eliminated in 2008.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to change a habit, use "reduce gradually" to soften the impact of the change and make it seem more manageable. This approach can increase the likelihood of success by avoiding drastic measures.

Common error

Resist using "reduce gradually" when a situation demands immediate action. The phrase suggests a slow process, which is inappropriate for urgent or critical scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reduce gradually" functions as a verb phrase, where "reduce" is the main verb and "gradually" is an adverb modifying it. Ludwig AI shows that this combination is commonly used to describe the action of decreasing something slowly over time.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

63%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reduce gradually" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a verb phrase describing a slow and measured decrease, often used to mitigate potential negative effects from abrupt changes. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, it maintains a neutral to formal register. When employing this phrase, consider the context to ensure it aligns with the need for a gradual, rather than immediate, reduction. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "decrease slowly" or "diminish progressively" depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decrease slowly

Focuses on the slowness of the reduction process.

diminish progressively

Highlights the gradual progression of the reduction.

lessen incrementally

Emphasizes the small steps of the reduction.

taper off

Suggests a reduction that narrows towards the end.

phase down

Implies a planned and systematic reduction.

wind down

Suggests a reduction that brings something to a conclusion.

scale back gradually

Highlights the scaling down aspect of the reduction.

cut back slowly

Focuses on slowly diminishing amount or quantity.

alleviate incrementally

Emphasizes the incremental relief or lessening of something.

attenuate progressively

Highlights the weakening or reduction in intensity over time.

FAQs

How can I use "reduce gradually" in a sentence?

The phrase "reduce gradually" is typically used to describe a slow, measured decrease over time. For example, "To avoid withdrawal symptoms, "reduce gradually" your caffeine intake."

What's a formal alternative to "reduce gradually"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "diminish progressively" or "lessen incrementally" to convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

Is it better to "reduce gradually" or stop abruptly?

The best approach depends on the context. "Reduce gradually" is often recommended for substances like caffeine or medications to minimize withdrawal symptoms. However, in some cases, stopping abruptly, or "cold turkey", may be more effective or necessary.

What does it mean to "phase down" something? Is it the same as "reduce gradually"?

"Phase down" and "reduce gradually" are similar, but "phase down" often implies a planned, systematic reduction, particularly in the context of policies or regulations. Both suggest a slow decrease, but "phase down" may have a more structured connotation.