reduce the rate

USAGE SUMMARY

"reduce the rate" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is often used when talking about lowering or decreasing a certain rate or percentage. Example: The government plans to reduce the rate of unemployment by implementing new job training programs.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

These are not cuts that reduce the rate of growth.

The New York Times - Health

Reduce the rate of unintended pregnancies, reduce the rate of abortion.

The Economist

On interest-only loans, the lender would have to reduce the rate to 2percentt.

The New York Times

If you want to improve entrepreneurial activity, reduce the rate of capital gains tax.

The Guardian

With inflation likely to remain subdued, Stevens indicated it was low enough to reduce the rate.

The Guardian

But these societies need to find very soon measures that reduce the rate of national aging.

The New York Times

You need to reduce the rate of interest; we need to increase it".

The New Yorker

Giving H.I.V. medication to at-risk, uninfected people can greatly reduce the rate of transmission.

The New Yorker

And basically what it allows is that this board can make changes to reduce the rate of growth in Medicare.

The New Yorker

The program was careening toward insolvency, and there were many proposals to reduce the rate of growth of Medicare".

The New York Times

Out says: "The EU applies VAT to petrol – if we vote leave we get the power to reduce the rate".

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to "reduce the rate" of something, be specific about the methods or interventions you are implementing to achieve this reduction. For example, instead of saying "We need to reduce the rate of errors", specify "We need to reduce the rate of errors by implementing a double-check system".

Common error

Avoid using "reduce the rate" when you actually mean to reduce the total amount. "Rate" refers to a proportion or frequency, not an absolute quantity. For instance, it's incorrect to say "reduce the rate of inventory" if you mean reduce the total inventory level.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reduce the rate" functions as a verb phrase. It typically serves as the predicate of a sentence or clause, indicating an action taken to decrease a particular rate or proportion. Ludwig AI highlights this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

56%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reduce the rate" is a versatile and frequently used expression in written English, primarily functioning as a verb phrase. It signifies the action of decreasing a specific proportion or frequency and is commonly employed across various domains, including news, science, and business. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. While alternatives like "decrease the rate" or "lower the rate" exist, "reduce the rate" maintains a neutral to slightly formal register, making it suitable for diverse writing contexts. It's crucial to distinguish between reducing a rate and reducing an amount to ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decrease the rate

Uses a different verb, 'decrease', to convey a similar meaning of diminishing the rate.

lessen the rate

Employs 'lessen' as a synonym for 'reduce', suggesting a comparable reduction.

lower the rate

Substitutes 'reduce' with 'lower', which implies a downward adjustment of the rate.

diminish the rate

Replaces 'reduce' with 'diminish', indicating a gradual decline in the rate.

curtail the rate

Uses 'curtail' to suggest limiting or restraining the rate.

mitigate the rate

Employs 'mitigate' to convey reducing the severity or impact associated with the rate.

alleviate the rate

Substitutes 'reduce' with 'alleviate', focusing on easing or relieving the rate's burden.

abate the rate

Uses 'abate' to indicate a reduction in intensity or degree of the rate.

moderate the rate

Replaces 'reduce' with 'moderate', suggesting a controlled or balanced reduction.

constrain the rate

Employs 'constrain' to convey limiting or restricting the rate's increase or impact.

FAQs

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

You can use "reduce the rate" when you want to express the action of diminishing the frequency or proportion of something, such as "The new policy aims to "reduce the rate" of employee turnover."

What are some alternatives to saying "reduce the rate"?

Alternatives to "reduce the rate" include phrases like "decrease the rate", "lower the rate", or "lessen the rate", which all convey a similar meaning of diminishing a specific rate.

Is it better to say "reduce the rate" or "lower the rate"?

"Reduce the rate" and "lower the rate" are often interchangeable, but "reduce" might sound slightly more formal. The best choice depends on the context and desired tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "reduce the rate" and "reduce the number"?

"Reduce the rate" refers to decreasing a proportion or frequency, whereas "reduce the number" refers to decreasing a total quantity. For example, you'd ""reduce the rate"" of errors, but "reduce the number" of defective products.