shrink gradually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shrink gradually" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process where something decreases in size or amount over time. Example: "As the ice melted under the sun, it began to shrink gradually until it was just a small puddle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But Scotland's population, now about 5.1m, is forecast to shrink gradually, falling below 5m in about 2018.Recent economic news seems bound to worsen this trend.

The Economist

The Fed had planned to allow the size of that portfolio to shrink gradually as the securities matured or the debts were prepaid.

The New York Times

If your firm is currently profitable, as the newspapers were in the late 1990s, it might be better to just pay out larger dividends and plan for the firm to shrink gradually over time.

The Economist

The issue: Whether to use cash the Fed receives when its mortgage-bond holdings mature to buy new mortgage or Treasury bonds, instead of allowing its portfolio to shrink gradually, as it is expected to do in the months ahead.This would be an entirely symbolic move.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It has been shrinking gradually in recent years.

The New York Times

By 1941 it had more than 13,000 miles (21,000 km) of track, but it shrank gradually thereafter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Vulture populations had been shrinking gradually from loss of habitat and disease throughout Asia, but what happened in India and Pakistan was different.

The New York Times

Among the quandaries the Russian government faces: The "Putin majority" that appeared a decade ago seems to be shrinking gradually, like a giant block of ice that is melting at the edges.

The New York Times

Slipping into mediocrity is often imperceptibly slow: the domino effect might begin when a talented chef departs, then the menu is pared and the kitchen and dining room staff reduced; and by then the once full house of enthusiastic diners has shrunk gradually to a handful of bookings, even on a popular weekend evening.

The New York Times

The tobacco leaves changes from green to yellow and shrinks gradually, and this changing regulation would enhance the intelligence of tobacco curing system.

Optik - International Journal for Light and Electron Optics

The chest tube was cut shorter on the 25th POD and was removed on the 50th POD as the cavity had shrunk gradually.

Surgical Case Reports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shrink gradually" when describing a process where the reduction in size or amount is slow and consistent over a period of time. This is particularly useful in scientific, economic, or demographic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "shrink gradually" when the reduction is abrupt or unexpected. Use terms like "collapse", "plummet", or "suddenly decrease" instead to accurately reflect the rapid change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shrink gradually" functions as an adverbial modifier, describing the manner in which something is decreasing in size or amount. Ludwig's examples show it modifying verbs related to population, portfolios, and firms.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shrink gradually" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to describe a slow and consistent reduction in size or amount. Ludwig identifies it as correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. While alternatives such as "decrease incrementally" or "diminish steadily" exist, "shrink gradually" often provides a more natural and nuanced description of a gradual decline. It's important to differentiate this from sudden or rapid decreases, which require different terminology.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decrease incrementally

Focuses on the step-by-step nature of the reduction.

diminish steadily

Emphasizes the constant and unwavering decline.

wane gradually

Implies a loss of power or influence over time.

recede slowly

Suggests a movement away from a certain level.

taper off gradually

Highlights a reduction at the end of a process.

decline progressively

Focuses on continuous decline.

attenuate slowly

Emphasizes a weakening or thinning over time.

lessen gradually

Suggests a reduction in intensity or degree.

fade away slowly

Emphasizes disappearance over a period of time.

ebb gradually

Implies a flowing back or receding like a tide.

FAQs

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

You can use "shrink gradually" to describe a slow and consistent reduction in size or amount over time. For example, "The company's market share began to "shrink gradually" due to increased competition".

What are some alternatives to "shrink gradually"?

Alternatives to "shrink gradually" include "decrease incrementally", "diminish steadily", or "wane gradually", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "gradually shrink" instead of "shrink gradually"?

While "gradually shrink" is also grammatically correct and understandable, "shrink gradually" often sounds more natural in English, especially when used as an adverbial phrase describing how something is changing.

What is the difference between "shrink gradually" and "decline rapidly"?

"Shrink gradually" implies a slow and consistent reduction, while "decline rapidly" suggests a fast and sudden decrease. The choice depends on the pace of the reduction you want to describe.