we have lessened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we have lessened" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a reduction in something, such as a problem, quantity, or intensity over time. Example: "In recent months, we have lessened our carbon footprint by implementing more sustainable practices in our operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"We have enacted some reforms over the course of the years and we have lessened the harshness of the pre-existing Rockefeller drug laws," Mr. Pataki, a Republican, said as the issue bubbled up on Wednesday.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

We found that if such a program had been instituted 30 years ago, even in a partial form, we could have lessened economic inequality.

The New York Times

The adjustments that we systematically used BMI, fat intake, physical activity and alcohol might have lessened or cancelled these associations.

Diabetes Care

And they have lessened as time has moved on.

Independent

The calls to split a quiche have lessened.

The New York Times - Food

Those disadvantages have lessened since about the 1970s.

The New York Times

A Legacy of Pain and Loss The funerals have lessened.

The New York Times

It appears to have lessened a little in recent years, and arguably lessens here.

The Guardian - Film

Had these accommodations persisted, they might have lessened the famine's impact.

The New York Times

The plain fact is that as gun outrages have multiplied, gun controls have lessened.

Independent

They have lessened — in fact, almost destroyed — our hopes of a quiet and happy future.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we have lessened", clearly specify what has been reduced and the context in which the reduction occurred to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "we have lessened" without clearly stating what "we" are referring to and what exactly has been lessened. Lack of clarity can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we have lessened" functions as a verb phrase indicating that a subject (we) has performed the action of making something smaller or less intense. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we have lessened" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that a reduction or mitigation has been achieved. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, predominantly appearing in news and media. To ensure clarity, specify what has been reduced when using this phrase. Alternatives like "we have reduced" or "we have minimized" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. When using "we have lessened", be mindful of the antecedent to avoid ambiguity. The phrase is versatile and can be effectively employed in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we have diminished

Uses "diminished" instead of "lessened", implying a decrease in size, importance, or intensity.

we have reduced

Replaces "lessened" with "reduced", indicating a decrease in amount, size, or degree.

we have alleviated

Substitutes "lessened" with "alleviated", suggesting a reduction in pain, suffering, or difficulty.

we have mitigated

Replaces "lessened" with "mitigated", implying a reduction in the severity or seriousness of something negative.

we have decreased

Replace "lessened" with "decreased", indicating a reduction in the quantity of something

we have eased

Uses "eased" instead of "lessened", indicating a reduction in pressure, tension, or difficulty.

we have minimized

Replaces "lessened" with "minimized", indicating an attempt to reduce something to the smallest possible amount or degree.

we have weakened

Replaces "lessened" with "weakened", suggesting a reduction in strength, power, or intensity.

we have curtailed

Substitutes "lessened" with "curtailed", meaning to reduce or restrict something.

we have softened

Uses "softened" instead of "lessened", implying a reduction in harshness or severity.

FAQs

How can I use "we have lessened" in a sentence?

Use "we have lessened" to indicate a reduction in something, such as "We have lessened the impact of the new policy."

What can I say instead of "we have lessened"?

You can use alternatives like "we have reduced", "we have minimized", or "we have alleviated" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "we have lessened"?

Yes, "we have lessened" is grammatically correct. It uses the present perfect tense to indicate that something has been reduced by "us".

What's the difference between "we have lessened" and "we lessened"?

"We have lessened" implies a process that started in the past and continues to the present or has present relevance, while "we lessened" (simple past) refers to a completed action in the past.