shrinking by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shrinking by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a reduction in size, quantity, or value by a specific amount or percentage. Example: "The company's profits are shrinking by 10% this quarter compared to last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But Italy fell into another recession, shrinking by another 0.1%.

The Guardian - Business

Yet most analysts see GDP shrinking by 1.5% this year.

The Economist

Russia's population is shrinking by 700,000 a year.

The Economist

"Lately, it hasn't been subtle — I mean, they've been shrinking by noticeable amounts".

The New York Times

In recent years, it has been shrinking by much more than half.

The New Yorker

Indeed, GE, the longest-lasting conglomerate, is shrinking by lopping off its financial arm.

The Economist

The latest data shows that GDP is shrinking by 4.2% annually.

The Economist

After shrinking by 3% last year, the economy will expand by perhaps 0.5% this year.

The Economist

By one estimate, revenues at the top firms are shrinking by 10% a year.

The Economist

Revenues in an already emaciated city budget were shrinking by millions of dollars.

The New York Times

Credit is shrinking by about 7% year on year (see chart).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing proportional decreases, always specify the unit of measurement (e.g., percentage, inches, units) to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. For example, avoid "The budget is shrinking" and use "The budget is shrinking by 15%."

Common error

Avoid using vague terms without specifying units. Saying something is "shrinking rapidly" isn't as clear as saying it's "shrinking by 10% per month". Always quantify the decrease.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shrinking by" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the extent of reduction. Ludwig provides ample examples demonstrating its role in quantifying decreases or contractions. It is used to specify the amount or rate at which something is diminishing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shrinking by" is a grammatically correct and widely used prepositional phrase that quantifies a reduction in size, quantity, or value. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's prevalent in news, scientific, and business contexts. To ensure clarity, always specify the unit of measurement. While alternatives like "decreasing by" exist, "shrinking by" effectively conveys the notion of quantifiable diminution. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles, providing a precise and easily understood description of decrease.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decreasing by

Uses a synonym for "shrinking", maintaining the core meaning of reduction.

reducing by

Employs a different verb to indicate a lessening in size or amount.

diminishing by

Replaces "shrinking" with a more formal term suggesting a gradual decline.

contracting by

Specifically indicates a reduction in size or scope, often used in economic contexts.

falling by

Suggests a decrease in quantity or value.

lessening by

Implies a reduction in intensity or degree.

declining by

Indicates a downward trend or decrease over time.

becoming smaller by

Uses a more descriptive phrase to convey the idea of reduction.

getting reduced by

Emphasizes the process of being reduced.

being curtailed by

Suggests a restriction or limitation leading to a reduction.

FAQs

What does "shrinking by" mean?

The phrase "shrinking by" indicates a reduction in size, quantity, or value by a specified amount. It quantifies the decrease, making it more precise than simply saying something is shrinking.

How can I use "shrinking by" in a sentence?

You can use "shrinking by" to describe decreases in various contexts, such as "The company's profits are "decreasing by" 10%" or "The Arctic ice cap is "diminishing by" 5% each year".

What are some alternatives to "shrinking by"?

Alternatives to "shrinking by" include phrases like ""decreasing by"", "reducing by", ""diminishing by"", or "contracting by", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "shrinking by"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use "shrinking by" in written English. Ludwig AI confirms this and provides numerous examples of its usage in reliable sources.