shrinks

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "shrinks" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this word as a verb to describe something getting smaller. For example, "The shirt shrinks after being washed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

First up is "A balanced approach to a responsible budget... that grows the economy and shrinks long-term deficits".

The Guardian

I stepped into my first counselling session at 18, and I've spent years talking about my problems, to shrinks and to groups, in rooms decorated with clip-framed photos of sunflowers.

The Guardian

Adjust for this differential, and Labour's initial advantage shrinks to a single point – 35% against the Tories' 34%.

The Guardian

The state shrinks as cuts accelerate leaving more long-term young unemployed than ever.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whereas we, the war children's adult offspring routinely see shrinks, talk about our IVF (all those granny-alikes wheeling their girl-boy twins round can't really avoid confessing); air our sobbing psyches to the nation on reality TV or cut-you-into-shape shows, and blame it all on environment or poor attachment.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They become isolated as their income shrinks and they lose their access to broadband, to a telephone, to transport – in other words, the means to go job-hunting.

The Guardian - Opinion

It will seem like a lot of meat but it shrinks considerably when it cooks.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In a signed he editorial, he wrote: "The ad tax shrinks media resources, makes its job more difficult, limits its efficiency and impedes it from fulfilling its tasks".

The Guardian

With luck Spain will follow and perhaps Italy, until the eurozone shrinks to a size capable of being responsibly managed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Conversely, the cohort of SNP MPs shrinks to 31, while the Tories lose 90 seats, with the likely result being that Britain would have been faced with another coalition instead of a Conservative majority.

The Guardian

Of all the TV or movie shrinks in all the world, Melfi is the one worth watching.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts like budgets or deficits, use "shrinks" to effectively convey a reduction in size or scope.

Common error

While "shrinks" is versatile, avoid overuse in highly informal conversation where simpler terms like "gets smaller" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The word "shrinks" primarily functions as a verb, indicating a process of becoming smaller or less. Ludwig AI provides examples where "shrinks" is used to describe the reduction of physical size, as well as abstract concepts like deficits or populations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Lifestyle

14%

Opinion

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shrinks" is a versatile verb used to describe a reduction in size, quantity, or scope across various contexts. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently found in news media, lifestyle content, and opinion pieces. While it's generally suitable for both formal and informal use, consider simpler alternatives in casual conversation. Its neutral tone and widespread application make it a valuable term for effectively conveying the concept of diminishing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diminishes

This term suggests a gradual decrease in size, importance, or intensity.

lessens

This term indicates a reduction in amount, degree, or severity.

contracts

This term implies a reduction in size or extent through drawing together.

decreases

This term denotes a general reduction in quantity or value.

narrows

This term signifies a reduction in width or scope.

dwindles

This term suggests a gradual and continuous reduction until little remains.

abates

This term implies a reduction in intensity or degree.

tapers off

This term indicates a gradual decline in amount or intensity.

recedes

This term suggests a withdrawal or decrease in extent.

attenuates

This term implies a weakening or reduction in force or intensity.

FAQs

How can I use "shrinks" in a sentence?

You can use "shrinks" to describe a decrease in size, quantity, or scope. For example, "The company's profits "diminishes" as sales decline".

What are some alternatives to "shrinks"?

Alternatives include "decreases", "contracts", or "lessens", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "shrinks" formal or informal?

"Shrinks" is generally considered suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more technical or scientific writing might favor terms like "attenuates".

Which is the correct term, "shrinks" or "is shrinking"?

"Shrinks" is used for general statements about something that decreases, while "is shrinking" describes something that is currently in the process of decreasing. For example, "The company shrinks every year" versus "The company is shrinking due to the recession".