What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
decrease
Example
The company saw a decrease in profits this quarter. [decrease: noun]
Example
We need to decrease our expenses to stay within budget. [decrease: verb]
reduce
Example
We need to reduce the amount of waste we produce. [reduce: verb]
Example
The medicine helped to reduce the pain. [reduce: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Decrease and reduce are both commonly used in everyday language, but reduce is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between decrease and reduce?
Reduce is generally more formal than decrease, making it more appropriate for use in academic or professional settings.
