will shrink

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "will shrink" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a future reduction in size, amount, or intensity of something. Example: "If you wash this sweater in hot water, it will shrink."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Soon, his world will shrink.

The New York Times

But these shares will shrink over time.

The Economist

Staten Island, meanwhile, will shrink by half.

The New York Times

It will shrink — and shrink a lot.

The New York Times

Worse, the crash will shrink the economy.

The Economist

Its cost advantages will shrink, though.

The Economist

Organizations that don't will shrink or die.

The New York Times

Then our lifespan will shrink considerably".

The New York Times

The number will shrink again in 2004.

The New York Times

Only paying your loans will shrink them.

The Guardian - Money

It will shrink by 3.5% this yr.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "will shrink" to describe a future reduction in size, quantity, or scope. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is diminishing. For instance, "The company's profits will shrink if they don't innovate."

Common error

Avoid assuming correlation implies causation when using "will shrink". For example, stating "Since the new policy was implemented, sales will shrink" without concrete evidence is a flawed conclusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "will shrink" functions as a verb phrase indicating a future action. It describes that something is expected to become smaller in size, amount, or degree. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

18%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "will shrink" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to predict a future reduction in size, amount, or intensity. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is deemed correct and is frequently found in news, scientific, and general contexts. When writing, ensure the cause of the shrinkage is clear and avoid redundant phrasing like "will shrink down". Consider alternatives such as "will diminish" or "will decrease" depending on the desired nuance. The phrase's neutral register makes it appropriate for various communication styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will diminish

This alternative emphasizes a gradual decrease or lessening of something.

will decrease

A general term for becoming smaller or less in amount, degree, or intensity.

will reduce

Implies a deliberate action to make something smaller or less.

will lessen

Suggests a reduction in intensity or severity.

will contract

Often used in economic contexts to describe a decline in economic activity.

will dwindle

Indicates a gradual and continuous reduction to almost nothing.

will recede

Suggests a movement away or backward, implying a decrease in size or importance.

will abate

Primarily used to describe a reduction in something negative, such as pain or a storm.

will erode

Implies a gradual wearing away or destruction, leading to a reduction in size or strength.

will taper off

Indicates a gradual reduction to an end point or smaller amount.

FAQs

How can I use "will shrink" in a sentence?

You can use "will shrink" to describe a future reduction in size, amount, or intensity. For example, "The market share of traditional media "will shrink" as digital platforms gain popularity."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "will shrink"?

Alternatives include "will decrease", "will diminish", or "will reduce". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "will shrink down"?

While understandable, "will shrink down" can be redundant because "shrink" already implies a reduction in size. Using just "will shrink" is generally more concise and grammatically preferable.

What's the difference between "will shrink" and "will contract"?

"Will shrink" is a more general term for becoming smaller. "Will contract" is often used in specific contexts like economics or medicine. For example, "The economy "will contract"" is common, whereas "the balloon "will shrink" as it cools" is more typical.