reduce the quantity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reduce the quantity" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use the phrase to express the idea of decreasing an amount of something. For example, "We need to reduce the quantity of plastic we use in our packaging."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

And that would reduce the quantity of fossil fuels burned.

University of California, Berkeley

Another option would be to reduce the quantity and variety of its products.

The New York Times

You may want to reduce the quantity of chilli paste and powder to taste.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It has long been recognized that tariff barriers generally reduce the quantity of trade between countries.

Britannica

It aims to: • Reduce the quantity of packaging and use design techniques and materials to minimise environmental impact.

The Guardian

There has been concern that a single poll of voters would reduce the quantity and accuracy of data.

The New York Times

Still, while automation does not reduce the quantity of jobs, it may greatly affect the quality of available jobs.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It is contributing significantly to reduce the quantity of steel necessary for its general stability.

Alexandria Engineering Journal

But the hose ban aims to reduce the quantity of water consumed while maintaining a cap on the price.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

This addition ratio can reduce the quantity of CO2 released by Syrian cement plants, and the consumed energy.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

Yet, the effort to reduce the quantity of CO2 or data alone has not shown enough effect.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for conciseness, consider if a simpler verb like "decrease" or "reduce" can replace the entire phrase "reduce the quantity of".

Common error

While grammatically sound, "reduce the quantity of" can sometimes sound verbose in formal contexts. In such cases, consider using more concise alternatives like "decrease" or "lessen" for a more streamlined tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reduce the quantity" functions as a verb phrase, where "reduce" is the verb and "the quantity" is the direct object. It describes the action of lessening or diminishing the amount of something. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

29%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reduce the quantity" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for describing the action of lessening an amount of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and academic discussions. While simpler alternatives like "decrease" might be preferable in overly formal settings, the phrase remains a versatile and widely understood way to convey the concept of reduction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decrease the amount

Focuses specifically on lessening the numerical value or extent of something.

lower the amount

A more direct and simple way of expressing a reduction in something measurable.

lessen the volume

Implies reducing the capacity or space that something occupies.

bring down the amount

A phrasal verb that indicates a lowering or reduction of something.

cut back on the amount

Suggests a deliberate action to decrease consumption or usage.

diminish the number

Specifically refers to reducing the count or tally of items.

minimize the quantity

Emphasizes the aim to reduce something to the smallest possible amount.

scale down the quantity

Suggests reducing the size or proportions of something.

curtail the amount

Implies restricting or limiting the quantity, often due to necessity.

trim the quantity

Suggests removing excess to achieve a smaller, more efficient quantity.

FAQs

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

You can use "reduce the quantity" to describe the act of lessening an amount. For example, "We need to "reduce the quantity" of waste produced" or "The company aims to "reduce the quantity" of water used in manufacturing".

What are some alternatives to "reduce the quantity"?

Alternatives include "decrease the amount", "lessen the volume", or simply "minimize" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "reduce the quantity of" or "decrease the amount of"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and generally interchangeable. However, "decrease the amount of" may be slightly more concise and suitable for certain formal contexts. You can choose between "decrease the amount" or "reduce the quantity" depending on the context.

Can "reduce the quantity" be used in both formal and informal writing?

Yes, "reduce the quantity" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, although in very formal contexts, more concise alternatives like "diminish" or "lessen" might be preferred.