"decrease slightly" vs "slightly decrease"

Question

"decrease slightly" vs "slightly decrease"

Both "decrease slightly" and "slightly decrease" are correct and commonly used in English. They have the same meaning but differ in word order. The choice between them depends on the emphasis you want to place on the degree of decrease.

Last Updated: March 26, 2024

This phrase is used when you want to emphasize the action of decreasing, with a focus on the degree of decrease.

Examples:

We need to decrease the budget slightly to meet our target.
The temperature is expected to decrease slightly by tomorrow.
The company decided to decrease slightly the number of employees.
The doctor advised her to decrease slightly her sugar intake.
The noise level in the room decreased slightly after the fan was turned off.

Alternatives:

slightly decrease
reduce slightly
diminish slightly
lower slightly
cut back slightly

This phrase is used when you want to emphasize the degree of decrease, with a focus on how much the decrease is.

Examples:

The price of the product will slightly decrease next month.
She decided to slightly decrease the amount of sugar in the recipe.
The company plans to slightly decrease its production output.
The noise level in the room slightly decreased after the window was closed.
The doctor advised him to slightly decrease his caffeine consumption.

Alternatives:

decrease slightly
reduce slightly
diminish slightly
lower slightly
cut back slightly

Answer 1

decrease slightly

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

slightly decrease

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"decrease slightly" vs "slightly decrease"

decrease slightly

slightly decrease

Related Comparisons