to reduce the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'to reduce the' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used when you are indicating something is being decreased or diminished, such as quantity, size, or intensity. Example: We made several changes to the project in order to reduce the amount of time needed to complete it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Researchers are working to reduce the risk.

The New York Times - Tech

Both candidates want to reduce the deficit.

The New York Times

"Parents want to reduce the competition.

The New York Times

Are we trying to reduce the deficit?

The New York Times

They want to reduce the budget deficit.

The New York Times

We have to reduce the disincentives.

The New York Times

He fought to reduce the defense budget.

The New York Times

hopes to reduce the disease to obscurity.

The New York Times - Magazine

"And also to reduce the cost significantly".

The New York Times

"My job is to reduce the static.

The New York Times

"Ultimately, you've got to reduce the complexity".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to reduce the", ensure the noun following 'the' is specific and clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "to reduce the risk", specify "to reduce the risk of heart disease".

Common error

Avoid stacking multiple instances of "to reduce the" in a single sentence, as it can make the writing sound repetitive and cumbersome. Rephrase using synonyms or restructuring the sentence for better clarity and flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to reduce the" functions primarily as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. It introduces the reason or goal behind an action, indicating an intent to decrease or lessen something. As shown in Ludwig, this construction is widely accepted and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to reduce the" is a grammatically sound and versatile construction used to express the intent to diminish or lessen something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted in written English. Its frequency across diverse contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and business domains, underscores its broad applicability. To enhance clarity, always ensure the noun following 'the' is clearly defined. Alternatives like "to lower the", "to decrease the", and "to minimize the" can provide subtle variations in meaning. Avoid overuse and strive for sentence variety to maintain a clear and engaging writing style. By following these guidelines, you can effectively leverage "to reduce the" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to lower the

Replaces "reduce" with "lower", maintaining the same grammatical structure and meaning.

to decrease the

Substitutes "reduce" with "decrease", offering a slightly more formal tone.

to minimize the

Replaces "reduce" with "minimize", implying an attempt to reach the smallest possible amount.

in order to diminish the

Adds "in order to" for emphasis and replaces "reduce" with "diminish", slightly altering the structure.

with the aim of lessening the

Replaces "to reduce" with a more descriptive phrase, changing the sentence structure.

to mitigate the

Replaces "reduce" with "mitigate", suggesting an effort to lessen the severity of something.

to curtail the

Uses "curtail" instead of "reduce", suggesting a restriction or limitation.

to cut down on the

Employs a phrasal verb "cut down on" in place of "reduce", making it slightly more informal.

to alleviate the

Substitutes "reduce" with "alleviate", focusing on easing or relieving something negative.

to lessen the impact of the

Adds "impact of the" to clarify what is being reduced, making the phrase more specific.

FAQs

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

Use "to reduce the" to indicate the action of decreasing or lessening something. For example, "The company implemented new policies "to reduce the" carbon footprint".

What are some alternatives to "to reduce the"?

You can use alternatives such as "to lower the", "to decrease the", or "to minimize the" depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it better to say "to reduce the" or "to lower the"?

Both ""to reduce the"" and "to lower the" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. "Reduce" tends to be more versatile, while "lower" is often used for physical levels or amounts.

What's the difference between "to reduce the risk" and "to mitigate the risk"?

"To reduce the risk" generally means to lessen the probability or amount of risk. "To mitigate the risk" implies taking actions to lessen the severity or impact of the risk should it occur.