shrink down

USAGE SUMMARY

"shrink down" is correct and usable in written English.
"Shrink down" is a phrasal verb meaning to become smaller, to reduce in size, to decrease in quantity or degree. Example sentence: She shrink down the bulky suitcase to fit it in the overhead compartment.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

What blows up can also shrink down.

The New York Times

Instead, you can only shrink down in your seat, battered.

The New Yorker

The other three shrink down to little tabs.

The New York Times - Tech

The undercovers' social world can easily shrink down to the co-workers they see every day.

The New York Times

And what Mr. Masu didn't tell the factory was that Mr. Watanabe planned to shrink down those big britches.

The New York Times

You just shrink down into the ground …" Did that shame go? "It does but it remains very odd.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Shrinking down would, of course, feel painful.

The New Yorker

It's shrinking down to mere celebrity.

The New York Times - Arts

"I saw him shrinking down to one knee.

The New York Times

Then it was shrunk down for a tricycle.

The Guardian - Tech

The type shrinks down to the size of subatomic particles.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shrink down" when you want to emphasize a reduction in physical size or scope, often suggesting a process of becoming smaller or more compact.

Common error

While "shrink down" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid it in highly formal or scientific writing where more precise vocabulary like "decrease", "reduce", or "diminish" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "shrink down" functions primarily as an intransitive verb, indicating a process of becoming smaller. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it often describes a reduction in physical size or scope.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "shrink down" correctly describes the process of becoming smaller in size, scope, or significance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While versatile, it's more common in neutral contexts like news and media, as highlighted by Ludwig's examples. For formal academic writing, consider more precise alternatives. Remember to use it to describe something that has become smaller, either literally or figuratively. Ludwig’s analysis has considered grammatical correctness, source authority, and consistent usage to offer a well-rounded guide.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scale down

Focuses on reducing the size or extent of something, often in a planned way.

decrease in size

Replaces the phrasal verb with a noun and preposition, focusing on the dimensional reduction.

become smaller

Uses simpler vocabulary to convey the basic meaning of diminishing in size.

reduce in scale

Emphasizes a proportional reduction, often in a project or operation.

downsize

Commonly used in business contexts to describe reducing the workforce or company size.

diminish in size

Employs a more formal verb to indicate a reduction in physical dimensions.

lessen in magnitude

Highlights a reduction in the impact or significance of something.

contract

Implies a drawing together or shrinking inward.

compress

Focuses on reducing the volume or space occupied by something, often through pressure.

abbreviate

Implies shortening or reducing the length of something, often text or time.

FAQs

How can I use "shrink down" in a sentence?

You can use "shrink down" to describe something becoming smaller, for example: "The company needed to "scale down" its operations" or "The sweater will "become smaller" if you wash it in hot water".

What's a more formal alternative to "shrink down"?

Depending on the context, you could use more formal alternatives such as "decrease in size", "reduce", or "diminish".

Is it correct to say "shrank down"?

Yes, "shrank down" is the past tense of "shrink down". For example, "The balloon "shrank down" as the air leaked out".

When is it appropriate to use "shrink down" literally versus figuratively?

"Shrink down" can be used literally to describe physical reduction in size. Figuratively, it can describe a reduction in scope, importance, or influence. For example, literally: "The ice cube "shrank down" in the sun." Figuratively: "The company had to "scale down" its ambitions after the budget cuts."