reduce the severity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reduce the severity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing ways to lessen the intensity or seriousness of a situation, condition, or problem. Example: "The new policy aims to reduce the severity of traffic accidents in the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Apremilast has been demonstrated to reduce the severity of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis [ 15– 17].

BioDrugs

Antibiotics reduce the severity of the disease.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Headrests are designed to reduce the severity of whiplash injuries.

The New York Times

Another is testing one to reduce the severity of allergic reactions to peanuts.

The New York Times - Science

In some cases, quick responses can reduce the severity of injuries suffered by crime victims.

The New York Times

It's time to raise the threshold quantities that trigger charges and time to reduce the severity of penalties.

The Guardian - Opinion

The removal of the rock, Chief Rilling said, "won't eliminate accidents there, but it will reduce the severity of some".

The New York Times

Treatment: There is no curative treatment but antiviral drug therapy can reduce the severity and likelihood of recurrent infections.

The Guardian

He added that the sole treatment shown to reduce the severity of kidney problems was intravenous fluids.

The New York Times - Health

"We're taking action to reduce the severity of crashes and save lives," said Charles Kilpatrick, the department's commissioner.

The New York Times

THE BOTTOM LINE Studies show that chewing gum after a meal can significantly reduce the severity of heartburn.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reduce the severity", consider the specific context to choose the most accurate and impactful verb. For instance, in medical contexts, 'alleviate' or 'mitigate' may be more appropriate, while in general contexts, 'lessen' or 'decrease' might suffice.

Common error

While "reduce the severity" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "mitigate", "alleviate", or "ameliorate" to demonstrate a broader vocabulary and enhance the sophistication of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reduce the severity" functions as a verb phrase. Based on Ludwig AI, it describes an action taken to lessen the intensity or impact of something negative. It’s commonly used to discuss ways to mitigate or alleviate adverse conditions, situations, or symptoms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reduce the severity" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to describe actions taken to lessen the impact or intensity of something negative. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias. While generally acceptable, it's beneficial to vary your language in formal contexts with synonyms like "mitigate" or "alleviate". When using "reduce the severity", consider the specific context to choose the most appropriate verb for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lessen the impact

Focuses on the effect something has, rather than the inherent severity.

mitigate the effects

Implies making the consequences less severe or painful.

alleviate the intensity

Specifically addresses the degree of strength or force.

diminish the seriousness

Highlights reducing the gravity or importance of a situation.

decrease the impact

Emphasizes a reduction in the influence or effect.

weaken the force

Suggests reducing the strength or power of something.

curtail the intensity

Focuses on limiting or restricting the degree of something.

moderate the impact

Implies bringing the effect to a more balanced or acceptable level.

tone down the gravity

Suggests making something less serious or severe in appearance or feeling.

temper the intensity

Implies softening or counterbalancing the harshness of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "reduce the severity" to describe actions taken to lessen the impact or intensity of a negative situation. For example, "Wearing a helmet can "reduce the severity" of head injuries in the event of an accident."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "reduce the severity"?

Alternatives include "lessen the impact", "mitigate the effects", or "alleviate the intensity". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "decrease the severity" or "reduce the severity"?

Both "decrease the severity" and "reduce the severity" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations. In most cases, they are interchangeable.

What's the difference between "reduce the severity" and "eliminate the cause"?

"Reduce the severity" focuses on lessening the impact of a problem, while "eliminate the cause" aims to remove the source of the problem entirely. For instance, medication might "reduce the severity" of symptoms, but addressing the underlying lifestyle factors could "eliminate the cause" of the illness.