What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
contraction
Example
Can't is a contraction of cannot. [contraction: noun]
Example
The uterus undergoes contractions during childbirth. [contraction: noun]
Example
The company's contraction led to layoffs and downsizing. [contraction: noun]
reduction
Example
The reduction in staff resulted in longer wait times for customers. [reduction: noun]
Example
The recipe calls for the reduction of the sauce by half. [reduction: noun]
Example
The company implemented a price reduction to attract more customers. [reduction: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Reduction is more commonly used than contraction in academic or technical writing, while contraction is more commonly used in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between contraction and reduction?
Reduction can have a more formal or technical connotation, while contraction can have a neutral or informal connotation.
