to lessen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to lessen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of reducing or diminishing something, such as a problem, pain, or intensity. Example: "The new policy aims to lessen the impact of climate change on our community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Derivatives allow them to lessen that risk.

The Economist

Typically, businesses want to lessen government regulation.

The New York Times

The goal is to lessen smoking, right?

The New York Times

Official efforts to lessen anger have increased.

The Guardian

But every day, the fears seem to lessen.

The New York Times - Sports

"My goal is to lessen the pain of dying".

The New York Times - Magazine

It should have read: "New Guards to Lessen Liability.

The New York Times

Wearing her ring has done little to lessen his sorrow.

The New York Times

Human-made dunes can be used to lessen wave energy.

The Guardian

Amateur organizations have recently taken steps to lessen the risk.

The New York Times - Sports

Dusty statistical landmarks were not about to lessen his frustration.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to lessen", ensure that the object being lessened is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of just saying "to lessen", specify "to lessen the impact" or "to lessen the burden".

Common error

While "to lessen" is a versatile phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "to mitigate", "to reduce", or "to alleviate" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to lessen" functions as an infinitive of purpose, indicating the intention or goal of an action. It is used to describe the aim of reducing or diminishing something, as seen in various examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to lessen" is a grammatically sound and frequently used infinitive of purpose, serving to indicate an action aimed at reducing or diminishing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and applicable across various contexts, particularly in news and scientific writing. While versatile, it's crucial to vary your language to avoid repetition. Consider alternatives like "to reduce", "to mitigate", or "to alleviate" to enhance clarity and engagement. By understanding its nuances and appropriate usage, you can effectively incorporate "to lessen" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to reduce

Emphasizes a decrease in quantity, size, or extent.

to decrease

Focuses on a numerical or measurable reduction.

to diminish

Implies a gradual decline in importance or intensity.

to alleviate

Highlights the relief of suffering or difficulty.

to mitigate

Stresses the act of making something less severe or painful.

to curtail

Focuses on restricting or limiting something.

to minimize

Emphasizes reducing something to the smallest possible amount or degree.

to lighten

Suggests making something less heavy or burdensome.

to ease

Indicates a reduction in tension or difficulty.

to weaken

Implies a reduction in strength or effectiveness.

FAQs

How can I use "to lessen" in a sentence?

You can use "to lessen" to indicate a reduction in something. For example, "The new regulations aim "to lessen" the environmental impact of industrial activities".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "to lessen"?

Alternatives to "to lessen" include "to reduce", "to diminish", "to alleviate", "to mitigate", and "to minimize". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "to lessen" or "to reduce"?

Both "to lessen" and "to reduce" are correct and often interchangeable. "To lessen" can sometimes imply a more gradual or subtle reduction compared to "to reduce".

What is the difference between "to lessen" and "to alleviate"?

"To lessen" generally means to make something smaller or less intense, while "to alleviate" specifically means to reduce suffering or difficulty. For example, you might lessen the impact of a policy, but you alleviate pain.