reduce the length

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reduce the length" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of making something shorter, such as a document, a piece of writing, or a physical object. Example: "To improve clarity, we need to reduce the length of this report by removing unnecessary details."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The reduced options for each agent greatly reduce the length of communication time required between team mates.

Cognitive Computation

reduce the length of time they can stay focused".

The Guardian

The drug does not prevent flu but can reduce the length and severity of its symptoms.

The New York Times - Health

This will also reduce the length, cost and viability of any new pylon lines.

The Guardian - Business

Hospitals found it profitable to voluntarily reduce the length of stays.

The New York Times

Save some leaves, but you want to substantially reduce the length of the shoots".

The New York Times

The military would also reduce the length and frequency of combat tours.

The New York Times

It would appear that a high dividend payout ratio is an effective way to reduce the length of that rope.

The New York Times

For example, we occasionally need to reduce the length of LRAP contracts to ensure funding for all qualified participants.

University of California, Berkeley

Reducing the height of micro-channel can reduce the length and height of heat exchanger.

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

But he said it might be possible to reduce the length of service to as few as six months, from two years now.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical contexts, use "reduce the length" when discussing physical objects or processes. For example, "Reducing the length of the cable improved signal strength."

Common error

Avoid using passive constructions when you can use active voice, making your writing clearer and more direct. Instead of "The length was reduced by the team", try "The team reduced the length".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reduce the length" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the action of making something shorter. It typically acts as the predicate in a sentence, indicating what is being done to an object or process, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reduce the length" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the action of making something shorter, whether it's physical, temporal, or textual. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It is commonly used across various contexts, notably in science and news media, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When writing, ensure you are using the active voice where possible and that you choose the most precise alternative depending on the context, such as "shorten the duration" for time-related instances or "decrease the size" for physical dimensions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shorten the duration

Focuses specifically on making something shorter in time.

decrease the size

Emphasizes a reduction in physical dimensions or scope.

cut back on the length

Suggests a more aggressive or significant reduction.

trim the length

Implies a neat or precise reduction, often in physical contexts.

lessen the extent

Refers to reducing the degree or scope of something.

abbreviate

Implies making something shorter, especially in writing.

condense

Suggests packing something into a smaller space or form.

curtail

Implies a restriction or reduction, often in activities or privileges.

diminish the length

Highlights a gradual decrease in length.

scale down

Refers to reducing the size or extent of a project or operation.

FAQs

How can I use "reduce the length" in a sentence?

You can use "reduce the length" to describe making something shorter. For example, "The goal is to "reduce the length" of the report to improve readability".

What are some alternatives to "reduce the length"?

Alternatives include "shorten the duration", "decrease the size", or "cut back on the length", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "reduce the length" or "shorten the duration"?

Both phrases are correct, but "reduce the length" typically refers to physical dimensions or written material, while "shorten the duration" is more suitable for time-related contexts.

What's the difference between "reduce the length" and "make shorter"?

"Reduce the length" is more formal and often used in technical or official contexts, while "make shorter" is a more general and informal way to say the same thing.