Ways to Talk about Decreasing in English

Ways to Talk About Decreasing in English (B1–C1 Vocabulary)

Ways to Talk About Decreasing in English

Hello, dear English learners! Today at My Lingua Academy, we’re looking at a very useful bit of vocabulary: how to talk about things going down — numbers, prices, temperatures, popularity, you name it. Ways to talk about decreasing in English

If you want to sound more natural in English, especially in your FCE/CAE writing, it’s helpful to know a variety of verbs and expressions for decreasing. And if you missed it, you can also explore my lesson about ways to talk about increasing.

Let’s dive in.

What does “decrease” mean?

To decrease means to make something smaller in amount, size, number, or value.

 It can be used as both a verb and a noun:

• The temperature was decreasing as it got dark. (verb)
• There was a sharp decrease in traffic accidents last month. (noun)

A few common collocations include:

• a significant decrease in the number of schoolchildren
• the water level decreased by 10 per cent
• the water content decreased slightly overnight
• you should gradually decrease the amount you’re taking

Now, let’s look at a whole range of useful verbs and expressions to describe downward trends.

Useful Words & Phrases to Talk About Decreasing

Decline

Meaning: a formal verb used when talking about numbers, statistics, or levels going down.

• The number of tourists visiting the city has declined by 10%.
• After the pandemic, the standard of living declined in many places.
• The village population is steadily declining. Ways to talk about decreasing in English

Diminish

Meaning: to become smaller in number, amount, or intensity. It can also describe emotions becoming weaker.

• The number of deer in the national park diminished dramatically.
• Albert’s feelings for Mira have diminished over time.

Fall / Drop

Meaning: to decrease, often used for noticeable or significant changes.

• The temperature dropped by 10 degrees last night.
• The number of stray dogs fell from 10,000 to 1,000 over the past decade.

Plunge / Plummet

Meaning: to decrease very quickly and by a large amount.

• The company recorded a sudden plunge in profits.
• Demand plummeted during the economic crisis.
• Real estate prices have plummeted recently.

Reduce

Meaning: to make something smaller in size, amount, or degree.

• Samantha reduced her weight by 5 pounds. Ways to talk about decreasing in English
• The ticket prices were reduced by 20%.
• Better road design could reduce the number of accidents.

Bring down

Meaning: to reduce a level, price, or amount.

• We’re waiting for airlines to bring down their prices.
• She took medicine to bring down her fever.
• Cooking at home helped us bring down our expenses.

Lower

Meaning: a more formal way to say reduce.

• The drug helped lower the patient’s blood pressure.
• Computer prices were lowered by 5% during the sale.
• Please lower your voice; the baby is sleeping.

Cut

Meaning: to reduce something — often suddenly or by a large amount.

• The new train line will cut travel time significantly.
• The company cut the working week to 32 hours.
• Molly decided to cut sweets from her diet.

Dwindle

Meaning: to decrease gradually over time; also used for popularity, importance, or interest.

• The number of fish has dwindled over the past five years.
• His fortune dwindled because of poor spending habits.
• His popularity dwindled after the scandal. Ways to talk about decreasing in English

Bonus Phrases for Advanced Learners (FCE/CAE)

Taper off

Meaning: to decrease gradually and stop.

• Sales usually taper off after Christmas.

Wear off

Meaning: to become gradually weaker.

• His excitement wore off after a few hours.

Shrink

Meaning: to become smaller.

• The company’s market share shrank last year.

Go down

Meaning: informal, to decrease.

• Inflation is finally going down.

Useful Collocations (Perfect for Writing Tasks)

• a sharp decrease
• a gradual decline
• numbers fell steadily
• prices dropped sharply
• demand fell dramatically
• interest dwindled away
• a slight reduction
• a rapid plunge

Decreasing is all part of talking about trends, presenting data, and sounding more sophisticated in English. Whether it’s for an FCE report, CAE statistics, or just everyday talk about change, these verbs and expressions will help you express yourself more clearly and naturally.