reducing in number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reducing in number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a decrease in quantity or amount of something over time. Example: "The population of the town has been reducing in number due to the lack of job opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

That "revolving door" patients were reducing in number was evident when the first interviews were conducted in 2006 as described by this key informant: I (interviewer): "…this idea of "revolving door" patients do you think that's a valid one?" R (respondent): "I might have a couple of years back but I don't think so much now.

BMC Family Practice

"Some of the victims also give up on their small businesses, for example, a friend of mine used to attend to a food joint but because of the odor, which could come out of her, her customers started reducing in number up to when a time reached when no one could come around to buy her food,… so she decided to close up the business and was left with no source of income, apart from begging".

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"While the sector has been reducing in numbers, we've been growing in assets and market share," he adds.

Independent

At the southern part of their range, the Arctic tern has been reducing in numbers.

Wikipedia

Thus, earliest microadenomas were reduced in number due to reduced Cdk4 activity.

BMC Cancer

Although much reduced in number, Protestantism persisted in France.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Just because editorial staffs can always be reduced in number doesn't mean that it's right to do so.

The Guardian

But those which have built their business around psychoactive substances will reduce in number or cease to be".

The Guardian

Bureaucrats should be reduced in number, but their pay temptation-thwartingly increased.

The Economist

Our troops have rightly been reduced in number and withdrawn to the relative safety of the air base outside the city.

The Guardian - Opinion

Although reduced in number and effect, Sunday observance laws are still promoted in various European countries and in the United States.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about trends or changes over time, use "reducing in number" to clearly indicate a decreasing quantity, especially when discussing populations, resources, or countable items.

Common error

Avoid embedding "reducing in number" within overly complex sentences, which can obscure the meaning. Instead, use simpler sentence structures for clarity. For example, instead of "The challenges, though initially numerous, are now reducing in number due to effective mitigation strategies", try "The challenges were initially numerous, but effective mitigation strategies are reducing their number".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reducing in number" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used as part of a verb phrase to indicate a decrease in the quantity or amount of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reducing in number" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in English, employed to denote a decline in quantity. According to Ludwig AI, it is indeed correct. While not overly frequent, its presence across diverse sources—ranging from scientific publications and news outlets to encyclopedias—attests to its versatility. When employing this phrase, consider simpler sentence structures for enhanced clarity. Alternatives include "decreasing in quantity" or "dwindling in numbers". The phrase is suitable for neutral to formal contexts. The provided sources confirm its presence in various fields, denoting a general decrease in numerical value over time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decreasing in quantity

Focuses on the lessening of the amount or number.

dwindling in numbers

Suggests a gradual and continuous decrease in count.

lessening in amount

Highlights a decline in the total sum or measure.

declining in prevalence

Indicates a drop in how widespread or common something is.

shrinking in population

Specifically refers to a reduction in the number of inhabitants.

diminishing in size

Emphasizes the reduction in physical dimensions.

contracting in scope

Highlights narrowing of the extent or range.

falling off in attendance

Related to decline in the rate of attendance.

receding in influence

Related to gradual withdraw or reduction.

abating in severity

Related to decrease in intensity.

FAQs

How can I use "reducing in number" in a sentence?

You can use "reducing in number" to describe a decrease in quantity over time. For example, "The cases of the disease are "reducing in number" due to the vaccine rollout".

What are some alternatives to "reducing in number"?

Some alternatives include "decreasing in quantity", "diminishing in size", or "dwindling in numbers", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "reducing in number"?

Yes, "reducing in number" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe a decline in the count or amount of something.

When should I use "reducing in number" versus "decreasing in number"?

While both are similar, "reducing in number" often implies a more gradual or ongoing process of decline, whereas "decreasing in number" can refer to a more immediate or sudden reduction. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.