reduction in number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reduction in number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a decrease in quantity or amount of something, often in statistical or analytical contexts. Example: "The reduction in number of participants this year compared to last year was concerning for the event organizers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He noted "a very significant reduction in number of injuries".

The New York Times

GRN163L treatment was also associated with reduction in number of chromosomes with detectable telomeres.

Nature

Accordingly, a profound reduction in number of vesicles has been reported also in the current study.

Nature

Increment in current will lead to reduction in number of cells needed for a specific application.

Superlattices and Microstructures

The scene is set for a further reduction in number of people getting publicly funded help – down by at least 25% over the last five years.

The Guardian

However, at the structural level a reduction in number of synaptic vesicles in the pool has been reported in synapsin-1 and synapsin triple-knockout mice42,43.

Nature

They accepted the American emphasis on verification procedures, leading toward a reduction in number and yield of tests, with an eventual ban.

The New York Times

The addition of a climate change indicator, reduction in number of capacity indicators, and an improved imputation methodology contributed to an improvement from the 2001 ESI.

Columbia University

Moreover, immunohistochemical analysis also showed significant reduction in number of activated glial cells on curcumin administration to PTZ treated animals.

Neurochemistry International

"Contributing factors include the overall reduction in number of children in the [offshore processing centre] due to resettlements, the centre becoming 'open' and the large majority of children attending schools... reducing their availability for appointments.

The Guardian

Dozens of judicial buildings are due to go up for sale as the coalition pushes through its rationalisation of the courts service with a reduction in number by 142, including 93 magistrates courts.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing statistical data, using "reduction in number" can clearly and concisely indicate a decrease in a specific count or quantity. Always provide context to explain what is being reduced and why.

Common error

Avoid using "reduction in number" without specifying the subject. For example, instead of just stating "there was a reduction in number", clarify with "there was a reduction in number of errors" to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reduction in number" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act or state of something decreasing in quantity or count. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability, as seen in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

27%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reduction in number" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a decrease in countable items. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility allows for application across various domains, especially in scientific, news, and academic contexts. To ensure clarity, always specify the item undergoing reduction. While alternatives like "decrease in quantity" or "decline in numbers" exist, "reduction in number" offers a direct and precise way to convey this concept. Therefore, by understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively incorporate the phrase "reduction in number" into your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decrease in quantity

Replaces "number" with "quantity", focusing on amount rather than count.

decline in numbers

Uses "decline" to indicate a decrease, which may suggest a more gradual change.

drop in count

Employs "drop" to signify a more abrupt decrease and "count" to emphasize enumeration.

fall in quantity

Substitutes "reduction" with "fall", implying a descent, and "number" with "quantity".

lessening of amount

Uses "lessening" to denote a diminution, and "amount" instead of "number" to broaden scope.

cutback in figures

Replaces "reduction" with "cutback", indicating a deliberate decrease, and "number" with "figures".

contraction in total

Employs "contraction" to imply a shrinking and "total" to refer to overall quantity.

shrinkage in amount

Replaces "reduction" with "shrinkage", conveying a gradual decrease, and uses "amount" for generality.

abatement in quantity

Substitutes "reduction" with "abatement", suggesting a lessening of intensity or degree, and "quantity" for "number".

diminution in count

Uses "diminution" to denote a decrease and "count" to highlight the act of enumeration.

FAQs

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

You can use "reduction in number" to describe a decrease in a specific count. For example, "The new policy resulted in a significant "reduction in number" of accidents" or "There has been a "reduction in number" of students failing the course".

What's a formal alternative to "reduction in number"?

A more formal alternative to "reduction in number" could be "decrease in quantity" or "decline in numbers". These options maintain a professional tone suitable for academic or business contexts.

Is it always necessary to specify what's being reduced when using "reduction in number"?

Yes, specifying what's being reduced is crucial for clarity. Saying simply "there was a "reduction in number"" is vague. Instead, specify, for example, "reduction in number of errors", "reduction in number of complaints" or "reduction in number of defective products".

How does "reduction in number" differ from "decrease in amount"?

"Reduction in number" is typically used for countable items, while "decrease in amount" is used for non-countable or continuous quantities. For example, you'd say "reduction in number of cars", but "decrease in amount of water pollution".