to reduce

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to reduce" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of making something smaller, less in amount, or less intense. Example: "The company implemented new strategies to reduce costs and improve efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

system to reduce engine emissions.

The New York Times

We have to reduce costs.

The New York Times - Health

They voted to reduce rates.

The New York Times

COMPETITION tends to reduce profits.

The Economist

The goal is to reduce excessive utilization.

The New York Times

Researchers are working to reduce the risk.

The New York Times - Tech

What can be done to reduce it?

Independent

Their answer is somehow to reduce violence.

The New York Times

The ban is meant to reduce obesity.

The Economist

It will help to reduce conflict".

The New York Times

"We would have to reduce jobs".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, specify what you are reducing and by how much. For example, instead of saying "to reduce costs", say "to reduce costs by 15%".

Common error

Avoid using "to reduce" in constructions where the reduction is already implied by the verb. For example, instead of "to reduce the risk of injury", use "to minimize the risk of injury" or "to prevent injury".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to reduce" primarily functions as an infinitive of purpose. It often introduces a clause that explains the intention or goal behind an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the aim of diminishing something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

35%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to reduce" is a grammatically correct and very common infinitive phrase used to express the purpose of diminishing something. As Ludwig AI highlights, its versatility makes it suitable for various contexts, ranging from formal news reports to informal wiki articles. While its meaning is generally straightforward, specifying what is being reduced often enhances clarity. Alternatives such as "to lessen", "to decrease", and "to minimize" can offer nuanced variations depending on the specific context. Remember to avoid redundant constructions and specify the target of reduction for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to lessen

Focuses on making something smaller or less significant.

to decrease

Implies a reduction in quantity or size.

to diminish

Suggests a gradual reduction in importance or intensity.

to alleviate

Specifically implies reducing suffering, pain, or difficulty.

to minimize

Emphasizes reducing something to the smallest possible amount.

to curtail

Implies cutting something short or restricting it.

to abate

Suggests a reduction in intensity or degree.

to shrink

Focuses on a physical reduction in size.

to contract

Implies a reduction in size or scope, often related to formal agreements.

to subdue

Suggests bringing something under control or reducing its power.

FAQs

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

The phrase "to reduce" is typically used to express the purpose of decreasing something in size, amount, intensity, or degree. For example, "The goal is "to reduce emissions"" or "We need "to reduce costs"".

What are some alternatives to "to reduce"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "to lessen", "to decrease", "to diminish", or "to minimize". Choose the alternative that best fits the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify what is being reduced when using "to reduce"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying what is being reduced often improves clarity and avoids ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "We need to reduce", clarify by saying "We need "to reduce spending"".

What's the difference between "to reduce" and "to minimize"?

"To reduce" generally means to make something smaller or less, while "to minimize" implies reducing something to the smallest possible amount or degree. "To minimize" often suggests a greater effort to achieve the lowest possible level.