Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
reducing over time
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "reducing over time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual decrease in quantity, intensity, or frequency as time progresses. Example: "The company's carbon emissions have been reducing over time due to their new sustainability initiatives."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Academia
Alternative expressions(20)
decreasing gradually
declining steadily
tapering off
lowered over time
diminished over time
lessen over time
lessening over time
diminution over time
reduce over time
decrease over time
fallen over time
decreased over time
declined over time
reduces over time
declines over time
wane over time
decrement over time
shrank over time
lessen over the period
shrink over time
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
20 human-written examples
There was evidence that the cost of open surgery was reducing over time as a consequence of shorter hospital stay and less use of HDU.
Science
For dementia-related EAs there was a suggestion that inequalities may be reducing over time.
Science
A CISO of a leading healthcare company told me their CEO wants to see the "open rate" and how it's reducing over time.
News & Media
Videos with "lip-sync and music is reducing over time, [and we] see more videos like comedy, sports and fashion," Zhu explained.
News & Media
Water samples from river and tap were collected periodically until November and stanozolol concentrations were found to be reducing over time as shown in Table 5.
Science
Resolving the current – and seemingly perpetual – problem with air traffic controller under-staffing by freeing today's ATC Organization from often crippling and sometimes nonsensical or even counter-productive government hiring rules and bureaucratic lethargy, and by reducing, over time, the number of controllers required to fully staff a new, technologically advanced system.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
40 human-written examples
Encouragingly, reported risky driving behaviours in UK military personnel have reduced over time.
Science
As a consequence, the RNA requirements have reduced over time as technologies have improved.
Science
The most striking observation, however, is that broadly across ages, both incidence and prevalence have reduced over time.
Science
Moreover, efficacy can reduce over time.
Science
These can be reduced over time as obligations are fulfilled.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "reducing over time", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being reduced and the timeframe involved. For example, specify "carbon emissions are reducing over time" rather than just "things are reducing over time".
Common error
Avoid using "reducing over time" without specifying what is being reduced. Vague statements like "efficiency is reducing over time" lack clarity. Be precise about what aspect of efficiency is declining.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "reducing over time" functions as a gerund phrase acting as an adverbial modifier. It describes how an action or state is changing in relation to time. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across diverse contexts.
Frequent in
Science
40%
News & Media
35%
Academia
15%
Less common in
Formal & Business
5%
Wiki
5%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "reducing over time" is a versatile and commonly used expression that describes a gradual decrease or decline. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and applicable in various contexts, including science, news, and academia. While alternatives like "decreasing gradually" or "declining steadily" exist, it's essential to maintain clarity by specifying what exactly is "reducing". Pay attention to the specific aspect, context, and implications while using it. Be mindful to avoid overgeneralization and be precise. Due to its wide array of sources, it can be said with confidence that the register of the expression is considered neutral.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
decreasing gradually
Emphasizes the gradual nature of the decrease.
declining steadily
Highlights the consistent downward trend.
diminishing incrementally
Focuses on small steps in the reduction process.
waning progressively
Suggests a fading or weakening effect over time.
abating gradually
Implies a lessening in intensity or severity.
fading slowly
Emphasizes the slow disappearance or weakening.
tapering off
Indicates a gradual decrease towards the end.
subsiding with time
Highlights the lessening of something over a period.
ameliorating over the long term
Suggests an improvement or alleviation occurring slowly.
lessening over a period
Replaces 'reducing' with 'lessening' to denote a decrease.
FAQs
What does "reducing over time" mean?
The phrase "reducing over time" means that something is decreasing or diminishing gradually as time passes.
How can I use "reducing over time" in a sentence?
You can use it to describe a gradual decrease, such as "The company's debt is "reducing over time" thanks to increased sales."
What are some alternatives to saying "reducing over time"?
Alternatives include "decreasing gradually", "declining steadily", or "diminishing incrementally", depending on the nuance you want to convey.
Is it correct to say "reduced over time" instead of "reducing over time"?
Both are grammatically correct, but "reducing over time" emphasizes the ongoing process of reduction, while "reduced over time" suggests that the reduction has already occurred. The choice depends on the context.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested