"decrease in" vs "decrease of"

Question

"decrease in" vs "decrease of"

Both 'decrease in' and 'decrease of' are commonly used phrases in English, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Decrease in' is typically used when referring to a specific quantity or percentage that is decreasing within a larger context, while 'decrease of' is used when talking about the act of decreasing or the result of a decrease.

Last Updated: March 24, 2024

Use 'decrease in' when referring to a specific quantity or percentage that is decreasing within a larger context. For example, 'There was a decrease in sales last quarter.'

Examples:

There was a decrease in temperature overnight.
We observed a decrease in the number of participants.
The report showed a decrease in profits.
She noticed a decrease in the quality of the product.
There has been a decrease in the amount of rainfall.

Alternatives:

reduction in
drop in
decline in
fall in
lowering in

Use 'decrease of' when talking about the act of decreasing or the result of a decrease. For example, 'The decrease of funding led to budget cuts.'

Examples:

The decrease of prices attracted more customers.
We are witnessing the decrease of biodiversity in the region.
The decrease of interest rates is good news for borrowers.
The decrease of pollution levels is a positive development.
The decrease of support from the community was concerning.

Alternatives:

reduction of
drop of
decline of
fall of
lowering of

Answer 1

decrease in

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

decrease of

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"decrease in" vs "decrease of"

decrease in

decrease of

Related Comparisons