slight decrease in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slight decrease in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a small reduction in quantity, value, or intensity in various contexts, such as finance, statistics, or general observations. Example: "There was a slight decrease in sales this quarter compared to the last."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That far exceeded the slight decrease in claims Wall Street economists had expected.

The New York Times

"That offset the slight decrease in the number of single-family homes," Mr. Mercurio said.

The New York Times

Exit polls showed a slight decrease in evangelicals voting for Republicans.

The Guardian - Opinion

He found a slight decrease in obesity among the girls and no effect among the boys.

The New York Times

While the behavior survey showed a slight decrease in heavy drinking after 2002, it showed an increase in binge drinking.

The New York Times

There was also a slight decrease in gross margin, which measures sales minus the cost of producing goods.

The New York Times

Mr. Coen attributed the slight decrease in his estimate to "a weak performance in retail" advertising in newspapers.

The New York Times

After chlorophyll removal, slight decrease in RAP was generally found.

International Aquatic Research

Once you get to 400 ISO you notice a very slight decrease in sharpness.

TechCrunch

First, a slight decrease in inelastic energy dissipation after enlarging the passivation opening.

Microelectronics Reliability

COT, also in the millimolar range, caused a slight decrease in gA channel activity.

Biophysical Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slight decrease in", quantify the decrease with specific numbers or percentages to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "slight decrease in" when the reduction is substantial or impactful. Use stronger language to accurately reflect the magnitude of the change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slight decrease in" functions as a prepositional phrase often used to modify nouns or clauses by indicating a small reduction or decline. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

58%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slight decrease in" is a versatile phrase used to describe a small reduction across different contexts, particularly in scientific and news-related domains. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. When using this phrase, remember to quantify the reduction whenever possible. Alternative phrases include "marginal reduction in" and "small decline in", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Be careful to avoid overstating the significance of the decrease.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

marginal reduction in

Emphasizes the small and almost insignificant nature of the decrease.

small decline in

Focuses on the downward trend and limited extent of the change.

minor drop in

Highlights the minimal impact of the decrease.

modest reduction of

Suggests a restrained or tempered decrease.

insignificant dip in

Points out the negligible nature of the reduction.

negligible decrease within

Emphasizes that the decrease is so small it's practically unnoticeable.

subtle decline regarding

Highlights the slight and understated nature of the decrease.

limited decrease concerning

Indicates a restricted or bounded decrease.

a touch of lessening in

Uses figurative language to describe a barely perceptible decrease.

a hint of reduction for

Suggests a subtle indication of a decrease.

FAQs

How can I use "slight decrease in" in a sentence?

You can use "slight decrease in" to describe a small reduction. For example: "There was a slight decrease in the number of applicants this year."

What are some alternatives to "slight decrease in"?

Alternatives include "marginal reduction in", "small decline in", or "minor drop in".

Is it okay to use "slight decrease in" in formal writing?

Yes, "slight decrease in" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when accuracy is needed. However, consider context and select the most appropriate synonym, such as "modest reduction of" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "slight decrease in" and "significant decrease in"?

"Slight decrease in" indicates a small, often barely noticeable reduction, while "significant decrease in" suggests a larger, more impactful reduction.