reduce it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reduce it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of making something smaller, less in amount, or less intense. Example: "To improve the overall quality of the project, we need to reduce it by eliminating unnecessary components."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That would reduce it".

Independent

You reduce it to... 'bumhole.'.

The New Yorker

Helmet laws reduce it.

The New York Times - Books

"Can we reduce it?

The New York Times

"It will reduce it".

The Guardian

Suppose we then reduce it in half.

The New York Times

What can be done to reduce it?

Independent

Some reduce it dollar for dollar.

The New York Times

You reduce it to the banal.

The New Yorker

But this will not reduce it indefinitely.

The Economist

But it may help reduce it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reduce it", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to. Ambiguity can confuse the reader.

Common error

While versatile, "reduce it" might sound too informal in certain professional or academic settings. Consider stronger verbs like "decrease", "diminish", or more specific alternatives depending on the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reduce it" functions as a verb phrase where "reduce" is a transitive verb requiring an object. "It" serves as a pronoun, acting as the direct object of the verb. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reduce it" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to express the action of lessening or diminishing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile and appears frequently in diverse contexts such as news, science, and business. While generally neutral in register, it may be beneficial to consider more formal alternatives like "decrease it" or "diminish it" in strictly professional or academic settings. Remember to ensure the referent of "it" is clear to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lessen it

Changes the verb to a synonym, maintaining the same object.

decrease it

Substitutes the verb with a direct synonym, keeping the sentence structure intact.

diminish it

Replaces the verb with a synonym that implies a gradual reduction.

lower it

Uses a more straightforward synonym for reducing, suitable for simpler contexts.

cut it back

Employs a phrasal verb to convey reduction, often used in budgetary or resource contexts.

scale it down

Implies reducing the size or scope of something.

curtail it

Suggests limiting or restricting something.

abate it

Uses a more formal term for reducing, often in the context of nuisances or legal matters.

mitigate it

Focuses on reducing the negative impact or severity of something.

alleviate it

Implies easing or relieving something burdensome.

FAQs

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

You can use "reduce it" to describe lessening something, such as "We need to "reduce it" to its simplest form" or "The goal is to "reduce it" by half".

What are some alternatives to "reduce it"?

Alternatives include "lessen it", "decrease it", "diminish it", or "lower it", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "reduce it" formal or informal?

"Reduce it" is generally considered neutral and acceptable in most contexts, but more formal alternatives like "diminish it" or "curtail it" might be preferable in academic or professional writing.

When is it appropriate to use "cut it back" instead of "reduce it"?

Use "cut it back" when referring to reducing something by making a direct, often drastic, reduction, such as in costs or resources. For example, "We need to "cut it back" to balance the budget".