tend to decrease

USAGE SUMMARY

"tend to decrease" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to indicate a general trend or likelihood that something will decrease. Example sentence: Over time, air pollution levels have been found to tend to decrease in most cities.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The adenoids tend to decrease in size during adulthood.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As distances geographic, cultural, administrative/political, and economic increase, cross-border interactions tend to decrease.

Harvard Business Review

Shear strengths, however, tend to decrease with increase in carbon enrichment until enrichment is 40%.

Computational Materials Science

Estrogens tend to decrease serum cholesterol concentrations and to increase serum triglyceride concentrations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

also tend to decrease earnings, while charter schools that increase test scores have no discernible impact on earnings.

Harvard University

In the Senate bill, younger people's subsidies tend to decrease, but by less than their premiums decrease.

The Washington Post

Doubles from $110 , 18West Spain Street, Sonoma, [phone], swisshotelsonoma.com Room prices tend to decrease as distance from the plaza increases.

The Guardian - Travel

Efficient collision avoidance methods are needed, but they also tend to decrease the spatial capacity of the network.

Ad Hoc Networks

However, these estimates are likely to be over-optimistic because successional rates tend to decrease with time.

Ecological Engineering

However, the outer diameters, surface roughness and micro-cracks at reduced section tend to decrease along the z-axis.

Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China

Conclusion: In normal pregnancies FHR indices of variation tend to decrease after maternal oral ingestion of glucose.

European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tend to decrease" to describe general trends or probabilities rather than absolute certainties. For example, "Inflation rates tend to decrease during economic recessions."

Common error

Avoid using "tend to decrease" when the decrease is a guaranteed outcome. Use stronger language if the reduction is certain. For example, instead of "Medication dosages tend to decrease with improvement", say "Medication dosages decrease with improvement."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tend to decrease" functions as a verb phrase indicating a probability or likelihood of reduction. As Ludwig AI explains, it signifies a general trend rather than an absolute certainty. It is often used to soften a statement about a reduction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

59%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tend to decrease" is a versatile verb phrase used to express a general likelihood or observed trend of reduction. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English, noting it indicates a probable trend rather than an absolute certainty. With a "Very common" frequency, this phrase appears most often in scientific and news contexts, signaling its suitability for both formal and neutral communication. When using "tend to decrease", avoid overstating certainty and consider stronger language when a reduction is guaranteed. Alternatives such as ""tend to decline"" or ""generally fall"" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Remembering that "tend to decrease" describes likelihood, not certainty, will lead to more precise and effective writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tend to reduce

Replaces "decrease" with "reduce", which is a direct synonym.

tend to decline

Replaces "decrease" with "decline", suggesting a gradual reduction.

tend to diminish

Uses "diminish" instead of "decrease", implying a reduction in size or importance.

tend to lessen

Substitutes "decrease" with "lessen", indicating a reduction in intensity or amount.

generally fall

Uses "generally fall" to convey a common downward trend.

generally lessen

Combines "generally" with "lessen" for a softened indication of decrease.

usually drop

Employs "usually drop" to indicate a typical decline.

typically dwindle

Replaces "decrease" with "dwindle", suggesting a gradual reduction to a small amount.

usually subside

Employs "usually subside" to convey a reduction in intensity or activity.

typically abate

Replaces "decrease" with "abate", suggesting a reduction in something negative or intense.

FAQs

How can I use "tend to decrease" in a sentence?

You can use "tend to decrease" to describe a general trend or likelihood of something reducing. For example, "As technology advances, the cost of computing power "tend to decrease"."

What are some alternatives to "tend to decrease"?

Alternatives include phrases like "tend to decline", "tend to reduce", or "generally fall", which all convey a similar meaning of a likely or typical reduction.

Is it appropriate to use "tend to decrease" in formal writing?

Yes, "tend to decrease" is suitable for formal writing. It's a grammatically correct and professional way to indicate a likely trend or general reduction, especially when certainty is not guaranteed.

What's the difference between "tend to decrease" and "will decrease"?

"Tend to decrease" implies a general likelihood or common trend, while "will decrease" suggests a definite and certain future reduction. Use "tend to decrease" when the outcome is probable but not guaranteed.