shrink in

USAGE SUMMARY

"shrink in" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe the action of drawing in or contracting. For example, "The cat shrank in fear at the sight of the approaching dog."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Don't expect Mrs. Bachmann to shrink in Mr. Perry's shadow.

The New York Times

China's labor force will start to shrink in the 2020s.

The New York Times

European economies began to shrink in late 2001.

The New York Times

Such whispering could shrink in the Web age.

The New York Times

Assets can shrink in value, but debt never does.

The New York Times

"The travel pie may shrink in 2008," he added.

The New York Times

Tough company, but it doesn't shrink in the comparison.

The Guardian - Tech

Jimmy's suffering and his father's delinquency suddenly shrink in scale.

The Guardian - Books

actually saw his margins shrink in the 11 very blue states.

The Economist

And as margins shrink in the groceries sector, the supply chain represents an obvious target.

Independent

When humans descend to greater depths, the rising pressure forces the lungs to shrink in size.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shrink in" to describe a reduction in size, value, or importance, particularly when referring to tangible or measurable attributes. For instance, "The company's profits began to shrink in the second quarter."

Common error

Avoid using "shrink in" interchangeably with simple verbs like "decrease" or "reduce" without considering the context. "Shrink in" often implies a drawing inward or a loss of something, not just a general reduction in size or amount. Consider the specific nuance you intend to convey.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "shrink in" is that of a phrasal verb. It combines the verb "shrink" with the preposition "in" to create a distinct meaning. This is supported by Ludwig's examples which show it used in various contexts to describe a reduction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shrink in" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to describe a reduction or contraction in size, value, or scope. As Ludwig's AI confirms, it's often found in news articles, scientific papers, and encyclopedias, reflecting its versatility. While alternatives like "diminish in" or "decrease in" exist, the specific context should guide your choice. It's important to remember that "shrink in" often implies a drawing inward or a loss, not just a general reduction. Common errors include using it redundantly with "size" or as a direct substitute for simpler verbs without considering the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diminish in

Focuses on reducing or lessening something, emphasizing a gradual decline.

contract in

Highlights the physical action of something becoming smaller, often due to external forces.

recede in

Suggests a pulling back or withdrawing, often used in spatial contexts.

decrease in

Indicates a numerical or measurable reduction, emphasizing quantity or amount.

lessen in

Implies a reduction in intensity or degree, focusing on the quality or impact.

decline in

Suggests a deterioration or weakening, often used in contexts of health or quality.

wane in

Implies a gradual fading away or diminishing, often used in metaphorical or abstract senses.

reduce in

Indicates a lowering or bringing down to a smaller size or amount.

fall in

Suggests a drop in value or amount, often used in economic or numerical contexts.

subside in

Implies a settling down or becoming less intense, often used in contexts of emotions or physical phenomena.

FAQs

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

You can use "shrink in" to describe a reduction in size, value, or extent. For example, "The market share of the company began to "shrink in" the face of new competition."

What are some alternatives to using "shrink in"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "diminish in", "decrease in", or "recede in". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "shrink in size"? Is it redundant?

While technically not incorrect, saying "shrink in size" can be redundant because "shrink" already implies a reduction in size. It's often more concise to simply say "shrink". You can use "diminish in size" or "reduce in size" to avoid repetition.

What's the difference between "shrink in" and "shrink"?

"Shrink" is a verb that means to become or make smaller in size or amount, whereas "shrink in" is a phrasal verb that suggests a reduction in something specific or a reaction to something. For example, "The company's profits shrank" versus "The company's influence began to "shrink in" the industry."