streamline

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'streamline' is an acceptable word in written English.
You can use it to describe the process of making something more efficient or easier to do. For example, "The company took steps to streamline their production process, improving output and reducing costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By rejecting the bill, Idaho had threatened US participation in an international treaty that aims to streamline child support payments from parents who live abroad.

The Guardian

Last month, Tony Abbott announced that he had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Liberal-National government in Queensland, that would "streamline" environmental approvals.

The Guardian

And although donating embryos to other people has for many years been arduous and time-consuming, leaders in the field are trying to streamline the process to make it easier "to offer more embryos for adoption and for [adoptive parents] to find them".

The Guardian

McLoughlin will pledge to speed up work on a northern section of the second high-speed rail line – HS2 – and to take immediate action to streamline and simplify rail fares, including developing a contactless travel card that could be used across northern cities.

The Guardian

In a statement, Miller said: "Having achieved our strategy to streamline the group, secure its financial future and set it on the path to digital success, I have decided that mid-2015 will be the right time for me to explore new opportunities and for a new editor and chief executive to take the company on the next big phase of the Guardian's digital growth and international expansion.

The Guardian

Two of the best The LG App store features apps designed to streamline processes in large and small authorities.

The Guardian

Other steps it will likely consider are creation of a central security agency to focus combating terrorism and to streamline federal-state terror fighting coordination.

The Guardian

"Having achieved our strategy to streamline the Group, secure its financial future and set it on the path to digital success, I have decided that mid-2015 will be the right time for me to explore new opportunities and for a new editor and chief executive to take the company on the next big phase of the Guardian's digital growth and international expansion," said Andrew Miller.

The Guardian

The company weathered the storm without layoffs, partly by reassigning redundant production workers to find ways to cut costs, improve quality and streamline production.

The Economist

Second, we need to streamline the development phase, in part by ending earlier the development of drugs which do not offer the prospect of being truly distinctive.In addition, I foresee more innovative partnerships emerging in R&D.

The Economist

This week, Mr Idei made his latest attempt to get to grips with the problem when he announced a bold (by Japanese standards) restructuring plan for Sony's core electronics business.Sony will shed 20,000 jobs (7,000 of them in Japan), shut 30% of the firm's plants and aggressively streamline its supply chain.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing improvements to a process, use "streamline" to emphasize efficiency and simplification. For example: "The company took steps to "streamline" their production process, improving output and reducing costs."

Common error

While "streamline" is widely accepted, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations. Simpler terms like "simplify" or "make easier" might be more appropriate in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "streamline" is as a transitive verb. It describes the act of making something more efficient, simpler, or more organized. As Ludwig AI points out, this usage is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

35%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Streamline" is a versatile verb used to describe the process of making something more efficient and simple. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and business contexts. While alternatives like "simplify" and "optimize" exist, "streamline" emphasizes the reduction of inefficiencies. Remember to use it appropriately, especially in formal and professional settings, to clearly convey your intent to improve processes or systems. It is considered appropriate by Ludwig AI.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

improve efficiency

Directly states the goal of "streamline", making it a more explicit alternative.

make more efficient

A simpler and more direct way of saying "streamline", suitable for less formal contexts.

simplify

Focuses on making something easier to understand or do, differing slightly from "streamline" which emphasizes efficiency.

simplify the process

Emphasizes the act of simplifying, closely related to the outcome of "streamlining".

optimize

Emphasizes achieving the best possible outcome, while "streamline" is more about improving process flow.

enhance workflow

Highlights improving the flow of work, which is a common goal of "streamlining".

expedite

Focuses on speeding up a process, while "streamline" encompasses broader improvements in efficiency.

cut red tape

Focuses on removing bureaucratic obstacles, which is one way to "streamline" a process.

rationalize

Involves reorganizing something to make it more logical and efficient, similar to "streamline" but with a stronger emphasis on logic.

modernize

Highlights bringing something up to date, whereas "streamline" is more about improving its current functioning.

FAQs

How can I use "streamline" in a sentence?

You can use "streamline" to describe making a process more efficient, as in "The goal is to "streamline" the application process." Ludwig also confirms its grammatical correctness.

What can I say instead of "streamline"?

You can use alternatives like "simplify", "optimize", or "expedite" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say 'streamline the process'?

Yes, it is correct and a very common usage. For instance, "We need to "streamline" the process to improve efficiency."

What's the difference between "streamline" and "simplify"?

"Streamline" often implies making something more efficient by removing unnecessary steps, while "simplify" focuses on making something easier to understand or use. The terms can be interchangeable.