reduce on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reduce on" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct expression is "reduce" without the preposition "on." Example: "We need to reduce our expenses to stay within budget."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

We introduced a JUnit like testing framework in an automated grading system for C programming assignments in order to reduce on the one hand the failure/ dropout rate of the course and on the other hand to master rising enrollments in the lab course.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

We reiterate our sell recommendation on Punch Taverns and reduce on Enterprise Inns".

The Guardian - Business

And I wash my hair with baking soda and condition it with vinegar to reduce on pollution.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Return the strained beetroot liquor to the pan and reduce on a high heat for 30-45 minuntil unthickenedened and you're left with about 250ml.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Porter said the website warning payments would reduce on or after 1 July was "probably a technical truth but a profound practical unreality".

The Guardian - Money

Forces across the country are also having to reduce on police community support and neighbourhood officers who are vital to policing our communities".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

*Enforce discipline on the radio waves to reduce on-air clutter, and develop better land-line and mobile-phone communications.

The New York Times

So why can't that studio and every other moviemaker eliminate (or at least reduce) on-screen violence?

The New York Times

It also adopted a much-watched plan to reduce on-air clutter by reducing the amount of advertising it broadcasts and running shorter spots.

The New York Times

If only our nation's capital would reduce on-street parking, close streets to vehicles and otherwise create disincentives for car use and ownership.

The New York Times

The new boarding procedure -- which was tested on Delta's low-fare subsidiary Song and is already used by several other airlines -- is part of a drive by Delta to reduce on-ground turnaround time for aircraft and get them "flying more," Mr. Maruster said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reduce" without the preposition "on" to express the act of making something smaller or less. For example, "We need to reduce our expenses" is correct.

Common error

Do not add the preposition "on" after "reduce". The correct form is simply "reduce", followed by the object you are lessening. "Reduce on expenses" is incorrect; instead, say "reduce expenses".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reduce on" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. While "reduce" functions as a transitive verb meaning to lessen or diminish, adding "on" is not standard. Ludwig AI states this directly.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reduce on" is grammatically incorrect in standard English. Ludwig AI confirms this, stating that the correct form is simply "reduce" without the preposition "on". While the intention may be to express a lessening or decrease, the non-standard usage undermines clarity. It's essential to avoid "reduce on" in both formal and informal contexts, opting instead for "reduce" or semantically similar alternatives like "decrease", "lower", or "cut down".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decrease

A general term for making something smaller or fewer.

lower

Implies bringing something down to a lesser level or amount.

cut down

Suggests a deliberate reduction, often in consumption or quantity.

lessen

Indicates a reduction in intensity or degree.

diminish

Implies a gradual reduction, often to an insignificant amount.

alleviate

Specifically refers to reducing suffering or pain.

abate

Suggests a lessening in force or intensity, often of something negative.

mitigate

Implies making something less severe or harmful.

curtail

Indicates a restriction or reduction, often in spending or freedom.

shrink

Suggests a physical reduction in size or amount.

FAQs

How do I properly use the word "reduce" in a sentence?

Use "reduce" followed directly by the noun you want to lessen. For instance, say "reduce costs" or "reduce waste", not "reduce on costs" or "reduce on waste".

What is a common mistake people make when using "reduce"?

A frequent error is adding the preposition "on" after "reduce". Remember that "reduce" is a transitive verb that doesn't require a preposition in this context.

Which is the correct phrase to use, "reduce costs" or "reduce on costs"?

"Reduce costs" is the correct and standard way to express lessening expenses. "Reduce on costs" is grammatically incorrect. Consider alternatives like "cut down on costs" if you want to use a preposition.

Are there any situations where I would use "on" after "reduce"?

While "reduce on" is generally incorrect, "reduce" can be followed by "to" or other prepositions in different contexts. For example, "reduce something to ashes" or "reduce someone to tears" are valid uses, but they have different meanings than simply lessening something.