slight reduction

USAGE SUMMARY

"slight reduction" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing a small decrease in quantity, size, or intensity. For example, "There was a slight reduction in the temperature overnight." Alternative expressions include "minor decrease" and "small decline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Slight reduction.

Harvard Business Review

Holding time also led to a slight reduction in meltability.

Journal of Dairy Science

That slight reduction can make a big difference in terms of time perception.

The New York Times - Health

One study did credit floss with a slight reduction in gum inflammation.

The Guardian

The latest survey responses also show a slight reduction in frustration with benefit claimants.

The Guardian

The electric motor's torque more than makes up for the slight reduction in engine output.

The New York Times

However, this was a slight reduction compared with the 2006 survey (48%).

The Guardian

At 11 weeks only rodΔVhl;Hif2a mice showed a slight reduction of Gnat1 expression (Fig. 2c).

Nature

Indeed, there was a slight reduction in binding to Vn, albeit not statistically significant.

Nature

As discussed previously, the mix of business will result in a slight reduction in group margins compared to last year.

The Guardian - Business

The endowment is also planning a slight reduction in domestic equities to 11percentt, from 12percentt.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slight reduction", quantify the reduction if possible (e.g., "a slight reduction of 5%") to provide more context and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "slight reduction" when the decrease is actually significant; this can mislead your audience. Ensure the adjective accurately reflects the magnitude of the change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slight reduction" functions as a noun phrase that describes a decrease or lessening of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples show it modifying various nouns, quantifying the extent of decrease.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slight reduction" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a small decrease. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and the examples show it appears frequently in scientific and news contexts. When writing, quantify the reduction for clarity and ensure the adjective accurately reflects the magnitude of the change. Alternatives like "minor decrease" or "small decline" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor decrease

Emphasizes the small scale of the decrease.

small decline

Focuses on the downward trend that is small.

marginal drop

Highlights the minimal amount of the decrease.

modest decrease

Stresses the moderate nature of the reduction.

small lessening

Highlights the process of something becoming less, but only to a small degree.

subtle decrease

Indicates the decrease is not immediately obvious.

minimal reduction

Focuses on the very small amount of the reduction.

negligible decline

Implies the decline is so small it's almost not worth mentioning.

limited decrease

Highlights that the decrease is contained or restricted.

gradual decrease

Indicates that the change occurred slowly.

FAQs

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

You can use "slight reduction" to describe a small decrease. For example, "There was a "slight reduction" in the price of milk this week".

What are some alternatives to "slight reduction"?

Alternatives include "minor decrease", "small decline", or "marginal drop". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "slight reduction" in formal writing?

Yes, "slight reduction" is appropriate for formal writing as it's a neutral and clear way to describe a small decrease. Using more technical terms depends on your audience.

What's the difference between "slight reduction" and "significant reduction"?

"Slight reduction" indicates a small decrease, whereas "significant reduction" implies a much larger and more impactful decrease. The correct term depends on the extent of the change.