reduces down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reduces down" is not considered correct in standard written English, as "down" is redundant.
You can use "reduces" alone to convey the same meaning. Example: "The new policy reduces the amount of paperwork required for submissions."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

World Cup and European championship victories aside, this largely reduces down to FC Barcelona and Real Madrid.

The Guardian - Books

Put this on a high heat and boil for seven minutes, until it reduces down and only three tablespoons of liquid remain.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The value of residual stress reduces down to 232.13 MPa [11].

Nanoscale Research Letters

In the mid rear of the peloton it reduces down to 5%10%% that of an isolated rider.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

This formula reduces down to Euler buckling formula once the effective coupling stiffness term vanishes for isotropic and certain classes of laminated composites.

Engineering Structures

The oxygen signal detected at surface level is relatively high but reduces down to less than 1 at% after 1 min Ar ions sputtering.

Electrochimica Acta

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The duck farming industry has reduced down from many to just a couple of duck farmers.

The New York Times

Add the port and wine, reduce down to a syrup again.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Statecraft, command, authority reduce down to this brutal mano a mano showdown.

Independent

I would sauté two chicken breasts and reduce down their sauce with mushrooms and sweet marsala wine.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Complex stories are reduced down to one easily digestible line and then followed with a bit of shouty vox pop.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for the concise verb "reduces" alone. While "reduces down" appears frequently, it's often considered redundant in formal writing. Clarity is key.

Common error

Don't automatically add "down" after "reduces". Ask yourself if "down" adds any meaning. If not, omit it. Redundancy can make your writing seem less professional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reduces down" functions as a phrasal verb, typically indicating a simplification or decrease in quantity, size, or complexity. However, according to Ludwig AI, the "down" is often redundant.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

31%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reduces down" is used to describe something becoming smaller, simpler, or less in quantity. However, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically questionable due to the redundancy of "down". While common across various sources, particularly in science and news media, it's often more concise and grammatically sound to simply use "reduces". Alternatives include "decreases" or "narrows", depending on the specific context. When writing formally, avoid using "reduces down".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduces

This is the most direct alternative, eliminating the redundant "down".

decreases

Replaces "reduces" with a synonym, implying a lessening in quantity or size.

diminishes

Similar to "decreases", but can also imply a loss in importance or quality.

lessens

A general term for making something smaller or weaker.

simplifies

Focuses on making something less complex, rather than just smaller.

shrinks

Focuses on a decrease in physical size or extent.

narrows

Suggests a reduction in scope or range.

contracts

Suggests a drawing together or inward movement, leading to a reduction in size.

abates

Implies a gradual reduction in intensity or severity.

condenses

Implies a reduction in volume or size, often by removing excess.

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to say "reduces down"?

While commonly used, "reduces down" is often considered redundant. The verb "reduce" already implies a decrease, making "down" unnecessary. Using just "reduces" is grammatically preferable.

What does "reduces" mean?

"Reduces" means to make something smaller, less, or simpler. Depending on context, alternatives include "decreases", "lessens", or "simplifies".

What can I use instead of "reduces down"?

Depending on the context, you can use "reduces", "decreases", "narrows", or "condenses". The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "reduces" and "reduces down"?

Technically, no. "Reduces" already implies a downward direction or lessening. The addition of "down" in "reduces down" is often redundant and doesn't change the core meaning.