was substantially lessened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was substantially lessened" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant reduction in something, often in a formal or academic context. Example: "The impact of the new policy was substantially lessened due to the lack of public support."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The threat posed to the new regime by the forces loyal to Lumumba was substantially lessened by the capture of Lumumba in December 1960, after a dramatic escape from Léopoldville the previous month (see Patrice Lumumba), and by his subsequent execution at the hands of the Tshombe government.

Britannica

From June 2007, the rate of enrollment slowed, mainly because government insurance coverage of EGFR genetic analysis had begun in Japan, and the benefit of enrollment in the present study was substantially lessened.

BMC Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Results show that the hardship of droughts can be substantially lessened, with the largest rewards taking place in the most difficult periods.

Journal of Hydrology

However, the cost associated with halving gene dose is substantially lessened when pathways are long, which reduces the reduction in flux through the pathway caused by halving enzyme concentration.

Genome Biology and Evolution

Sierra Leone is at the vanguard of a revolution — heavily subsidized for now by international donors — that appears to be substantially lessening health dangers here in one of the riskiest countries in the world for pregnant women and small children.

The New York Times

If we truly work to make the alliance forces cohesive and effective together, we can still play a leading role, but our individual need for manpower and equipment will be substantially lessened.

The New York Times

Some feelings are hurt, some lessons are learned and some new relationships are formed, but the story is so by-the-numbers that the meaning behind it is substantially lessened.

Huffington Post

That risk was substantially offset or at least lessened by walking around really quickly for 150 minutes a week, but the risk is still there.

Vice

This was substantially true.

Encyclopedia Britannica

244 was substantially revised.

University of California, Berkeley

In 1953 the constitution was substantially revised.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was substantially lessened", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being reduced and the degree to which it is lessened. Provide quantifiable details or comparative statements to strengthen the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "was substantially lessened" in casual or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "decreased" or "reduced" to maintain a natural and accessible tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was substantially lessened" functions as a passive voice construction indicating a reduction or decrease. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's commonly used to describe a process where something's impact or intensity has been reduced.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was substantially lessened" is a grammatically correct and usable expression indicating a significant reduction. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for formal and objective contexts, particularly in academic, scientific, and news reporting. While not overly common, it effectively conveys the idea of a notable decrease, with alternatives like "was significantly reduced" offering similar meanings. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding what is being lessened and the extent of the reduction. Avoid overuse in informal settings for a more natural tone. Its primary function is to objectively describe a decrease, and its relatively formal register makes it best suited for objective reporting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was significantly reduced

Replaces "substantially" with "significantly", indicating a notable reduction.

was greatly diminished

Uses "greatly diminished" to emphasize a large decrease.

was considerably decreased

Substitutes "substantially" with "considerably", highlighting a measurable reduction.

was markedly alleviated

Employs "markedly alleviated" to suggest a noticeable relief or lessening of burden.

was notably mitigated

Replaces "lessened" with "mitigated", emphasizing a reduction in severity.

was appreciably curtailed

Uses "appreciably curtailed" to indicate a reduction that is easily perceived or measured.

experienced a considerable decline

Shifts to an active voice construction while maintaining the sense of a significant reduction.

saw a marked decrease

Presents the reduction as a visible or noticeable change.

underwent a significant contraction

Implies a shrinking or reduction in size or scope.

was effectively minimized

Suggests the reduction was carried out successfully and efficiently.

FAQs

What does "was substantially lessened" mean?

The phrase "was substantially lessened" means that something has been significantly reduced in degree, amount, or intensity. It implies a considerable decrease or alleviation.

How can I use "was substantially lessened" in a sentence?

Use "was substantially lessened" to describe a situation where an impact, effect, or quantity has been notably reduced. For example, "The risk of infection "was substantially lessened" by the new hygiene protocols."

What are some alternatives to "was substantially lessened"?

You can use alternatives such as "was significantly reduced", "was greatly diminished", or "was considerably decreased" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "was substantially lessened" formal language?

Yes, "was substantially lessened" is considered relatively formal language. Simpler alternatives may be more appropriate in informal contexts.