the lessening of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the lessening of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a reduction or decrease in something, such as a problem, quantity, or intensity. Example: "The lessening of pollution levels in the city has been a significant achievement for the local government."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

So we have syphilis itself to thank for the lessening of its symptoms.

The New York Times - Health

These observations coincide with the lessening of her once-overpowering love for him.

The New Yorker

For the Chieftains it meant the lessening of Ireland's economic and cultural isolation.

The New York Times - Arts

• To the Editor: Paul Krugman rightly points out many factors in the lessening of the racial divide in this country.

The New York Times

Finally, the lessening of infant mortality reduced the number of births needed to achieve a given family size.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is an organization that has dedicated itself to the reliability of supplies and the lessening of the volatility in the markets".

The New York Times

Though she acknowledges the lessening of her range, she maintains that "the spirit, the love, the input, the thrill, are the same".

The New York Times - Arts

But people on both sides agree that the lessening of Mr. Margolis's role was precipitated by a financial decision of Mr. Kerry's campaign manager, Mary Beth Cahill.

The New York Times

As Mr Haygood tracks it, the lessening of its old sense of community had started as long ago as in the late 1940s and early 1950s.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

This kind of difference might explain the lessening happiness of American women.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The commission said one effective remedy to the "substantial lessening of competition" would be to sell the entire 29.8% stake.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the lessening of" when you want to emphasize a gradual or ongoing reduction, rather than a sudden or complete disappearance. It works well for abstract concepts like tension, pain, or influence.

Common error

Avoid using "the lessening of" when a simpler term like "reduction in" or "decrease of" would suffice. Overcomplicating sentence structure can reduce clarity. For example, instead of "the lessening of noise", consider "noise reduction."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the lessening of" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase is used to denote a reduction or decrease in something, such as intensity, quantity, or severity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the lessening of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes a reduction or decrease. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is particularly common in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider if a more concise alternative like "reduction in" or "decrease of" might be more suitable for clarity. Remember, while grammatically acceptable according to Ludwig, overuse in simple contexts can sound awkward.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the reduction of

Focuses on the act of making something smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.

the decrease in

Highlights the process of diminishing or becoming smaller in quantity or intensity.

the decline of

Emphasizes a gradual deterioration or weakening of something over time.

the mitigation of

Specifically addresses the act of lessening the severity or impact of something negative.

the alleviation of

Suggests a relief or easing of pain, suffering, or difficulty.

the abatement of

Implies a gradual ending or suppression of something, often a nuisance or problem.

the drop in

Indicates a sudden or significant decrease in amount or level.

the easing of

Conveys a process of making something less severe, tight, or strained.

the weakening of

Focuses on the reduction of strength, power, or intensity.

the curtailment of

Emphasizes a restriction or reduction in something, often rights or freedoms.

FAQs

How can I use "the lessening of" in a sentence?

You can use "the lessening of" to describe a reduction in something, such as "the lessening of pain" or "the lessening of tension."

What phrases are similar to "the lessening of"?

Similar phrases include "the reduction of", "the decrease in", and "the decline of". Consider the context to choose the most appropriate synonym.

Is it ever incorrect to use "the lessening of"?

While grammatically correct, "the lessening of" can sometimes sound awkward in simple sentences. Consider using a more concise phrasing like "reduction" or "decrease" if it fits the context better.

What's the difference between "the lessening of" and "the reduction of"?

"The lessening of" implies a gradual process of becoming less, while "the reduction of" can refer to a more immediate or specific instance of making something smaller.