What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
decrease
Example
The company has seen a decrease in profits this quarter. [decrease: noun]
Example
We need to decrease the amount of sugar in this recipe. [decrease: verb]
shrink
Example
The shirt shrank in the wash and no longer fits me. [shrank: past tense]
Example
The company had to shrink its workforce due to budget cuts. [shrink: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Decrease is more commonly used than shrink in everyday language, as it is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between decrease and shrink?
Both decrease and shrink are neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
