reduce slightly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reduce slightly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting a minor decrease in quantity, size, or intensity. Example: "To improve the flavor of the dish, you may want to reduce slightly the amount of salt you add."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Cook for 2-3 minutos to reduce slightly.

Independent

Bring to the boil and allow to reduce slightly.

The Guardian - Travel

Stir, cook to reduce slightly, then tip into the broth pot.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Add the veal stock and basil and boil for 1 minute to reduce slightly.

The New York Times - Magazine

Add the cream, bring to a boil and simmer for about 7 minutes to reduce slightly.

The New York Times

The cuts will reduce slightly Delphi's reliance on American workers, who make up a third of its work force.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Boil the stock 2 to 3 minutes, until reduced slightly.

The New York Times - Magazine

Add 1/2 cup water and cook for a minute, stirring occasionally, until it reduces slightly.

The New York Times

Remove lid and simmer until mixture reduces slightly, about 10 minutes.

The New York Times - Food

Simmer, stirring often, for 15 to 20 minutes until the mixture has thickened and reduced slightly.

The New York Times - Health

Cook, stirring once or twice, until vegetables are very soft and stock has reduced slightly, about 30 minutes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reduce slightly" in cooking, ensure to taste frequently to avoid over-reducing the sauce or liquid. It's easier to add more liquid than to correct an over-reduced one.

Common error

Avoid using "reduce slightly" when the reduction is more significant. Overstating the reduction can mislead your audience and create confusion. Use stronger terms like "reduce significantly" or "reduce considerably" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reduce slightly" functions as a verb phrase that modifies a verb, adjective, or noun by indicating a minor decrease or lessening. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English writing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33.33%

Science

54.17%

Wiki

4.17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4.17%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reduce slightly" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for indicating a minor decrease. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. To ensure clarity, be mindful of the degree of reduction and avoid overstating it. Consider alternatives such as "decrease marginally" or "lessen a bit" for nuanced expression. Use "reduce slightly" with precision to accurately convey the extent of change without misleading your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decrease marginally

This alternative replaces "reduce" with "decrease" and "slightly" with "marginally", both indicating a small amount.

lessen a bit

Uses "lessen" instead of "reduce" and "a bit" in place of "slightly", suggesting a small reduction.

diminish somewhat

"Diminish" replaces "reduce" and "somewhat" replaces "slightly", conveying a similar sense of a small decrease.

drop a little

Replaces "reduce" with "drop" and "slightly" with "a little", indicating a small reduction in quantity or level.

decline marginally

Substitutes "reduce" with "decline" and "slightly" with "marginally", both suggesting a slight downturn or decrease.

lower subtly

"Lower" is used instead of "reduce", and "subtly" replaces "slightly" to emphasize a minor change.

fall slightly

Uses "fall" to replace "reduce", indicating a small decrease in amount or degree.

ease off a little

Replaces "reduce" with "ease off" and "slightly" with "a little", suggesting a gentle reduction in intensity or pressure.

shrink incrementally

"Shrink" is used instead of "reduce", and "incrementally" replaces "slightly", implying a gradual reduction.

taper off gradually

Substitutes "reduce" with "taper off" and "slightly" with "gradually", indicating a slow and steady reduction.

FAQs

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

You can use "reduce slightly" to describe a small decrease in quantity, size, or intensity. For example, "To improve the flavor of the soup, reduce slightly the amount of salt."

What phrases are similar to "reduce slightly"?

Similar phrases include "decrease marginally", "lessen a bit", or "diminish somewhat", all suggesting a minor reduction.

Is it correct to say "reduces slightly" instead of "reduce slightly"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "reduces slightly" for singular subjects (e.g., "the temperature reduces slightly") and "reduce slightly" for plural subjects or when using an infinitive (e.g., "they reduce slightly" or "to reduce slightly").

What is the difference between "reduce slightly" and "reduce significantly"?

"Reduce slightly" implies a small, almost imperceptible decrease, while "reduce significantly" suggests a much larger and more noticeable reduction. The choice depends on the degree of change you want to convey.