shrank substantially

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shrank substantially" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant reduction in size, amount, or degree of something. Example: "After the budget cuts, the department shrank substantially, leading to fewer resources for ongoing projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Over time, birds became more capable flyers, and as a result, insects shrank substantially again sometime between 90 million and 60 million years ago.

Science Magazine

These early labour immigrants adapted fairly well and gradually became accepted in the cities they settled in.1 Since the 1970s, when the need for labour shrank substantially, immigration to Sweden has become increasingly restricted to political refugees and their families.

IZA Journal of Migration

Treatment with the dopamine agonist (DA) cabergoline was initiated and over a 10-month period, the macroadenoma shrank substantially to < 1cm (as observed by magnetic resonance imaging).

F1000Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The N.I.H. budget has been shrinking substantially in real terms.

The New Yorker

Harvard's endowment has also shrunk substantially in recent months.

The New York Times

Seeing your major competitor disappear, or at least shrink substantially, has to be helpful.

The Guardian - Business

Soon, though, he expects the components in the system to shrink substantially.

The New York Times - Tech

Six months later, the tumors had shrunk substantially; after fifteen months, they were gone.

The New Yorker

The first is that the market for securitisation will shrink substantially.

The Economist

Economists do not expect the deficit to shrink substantially until France's near-zero growth rate picks up.

The New York Times

The scandal could mark the lowest point yet for the country's beer industry, which has shrunk substantially in recent years.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a reduction, use "shrank substantially" to emphasize a significant decrease in size, amount, or extent. This phrase is suitable for formal and informal contexts alike.

Common error

Avoid using "shrank substantially" in very casual conversations. While grammatically correct, it may sound overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "got smaller" or "decreased a lot" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shrank substantially" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a significant decrease in size, quantity, or extent. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct. Examples show it used to describe reductions in budgets, tumor sizes, or market share.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shrank substantially" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a significant reduction. As verified by Ludwig AI, it finds application across diverse contexts, including science and news, emphasizing its versatility. While suitable for formal and neutral tones, simpler alternatives might be preferred in casual conversations. Related phrases include "decreased significantly" and "diminished considerably", providing writers with options to fine-tune their language. When employing this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended level of formality and effectively conveys the magnitude of the decrease being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decreased significantly

Emphasizes the extent of the reduction, using a more formal tone.

declined substantially

A more formal synonym, highlighting the decrease in a measured way.

diminished considerably

Highlights the reduction in a way that suggests a noticeable change.

reduced markedly

Focuses on the conspicuousness of the decrease.

contracted noticeably

Implies a reduction in size or scope, drawing attention to the change.

notably decreased

Highlights that the decrease was easily observed or significant.

lessened considerably

Emphasizes the extent of the reduction in amount or intensity.

dwindled significantly

Suggests a gradual decrease to a smaller amount.

scaled down significantly

Implies a deliberate reduction in size or scope.

plummeted sharply

Indicates a sudden and rapid decrease.

FAQs

How can I use "shrank substantially" in a sentence?

You can use "shrank substantially" to describe a notable reduction in size, amount, or degree. For example, "After the company restructure, the department "shrank substantially"."

What are some alternatives to "shrank substantially"?

Alternatives include "decreased significantly", "diminished considerably", or "reduced markedly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "shrank substantially" or "decreased significantly"?

Both "shrank substantially" and "decreased significantly" are correct and often interchangeable. "Decreased significantly" might be perceived as more formal, while "shrank substantially" can add a slightly less formal tone, but both convey a similar meaning of a notable reduction.

In what contexts is "shrank substantially" most appropriate?

"Shrank substantially" is appropriate in contexts where you want to emphasize a significant reduction, be it in business reports, scientific papers, or news articles. It suits both formal and neutral tones, but consider simpler alternatives for very informal conversations.