decreasing in number vs decreasing in numbers

Both "decreasing in number" and "decreasing in numbers" are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "Decreasing in number" is used when referring to a singular countable noun, while "decreasing in numbers" is used when referring to multiple countable nouns or a general decrease in quantity.

Last updated: March 19, 2024 • 4145 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a singular countable noun.

"decreasing in number"

This phrase is used when describing a decrease in the count of a singular noun. It indicates a reduction in the quantity of that specific item.

Examples:

The decreasing number of students in the class is a concern.
The decreasing number of trees in the forest is alarming.
The decreasing number of books on the shelf is noticeable.

Show examples from the web [+]

Report: U.S. hate groups decreasing in number. By Elizabeth Landau, CNN. Updated 7:35 PM ET, Tue February 25, 2014. Members of the Fraternal White ...
The population of the east coast seems on the whole to be decreasing in number, several hundreds chiefly living at Angmagssalik. The amount of improved ...
Nov 30, 2010 ... Factory Farms Decreasing in Number But Increasing In Size: 20% Growth In 5 Years. Rachel Cernansky (@rachelcernansky) · Business ...
Sep 1, 2014 ... ... 2:13pm Updated September 1, 2014 - 10:37pm. Cavern's pupfish population decreasing in number. Cavern's pupfish population decreasing ...

Alternatives:

decreasing in quantity
reducing in number
diminishing in number
falling in number
shrinking in number

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to multiple countable nouns or a general decrease in quantity.

"decreasing in numbers"

This phrase is used when describing a decrease in the count of multiple items or a general decrease in quantity. It indicates a reduction in the overall number of items.

Examples:

The decreasing numbers of students in the classes are concerning.
The decreasing numbers of trees in the forests are alarming.
The decreasing numbers of books on the shelves are noticeable.

Show examples from the web [+]

Nuclear weapons are decreasing in numbers, but not on their way out. September 18, 2013. tags: Federation of American Scientists, Kristensen, Norris, nuclear ...
are decreasing in numbers, while a few are increasing. Such would be my answer, based on memory impressions, as well as on daily written records. Within the ...
They are decreasing in numbers because of hunting and deforestation. They are hunted for their fur coats and for their bones and other body parts- for Chinese ...
Aug 9, 2011 ... Species with a highly significant trend (increasing or decreasing) in numbers throughout the entire Czech Republic changed their numbers ...

Alternatives:

decreasing in quantity
reducing in numbers
diminishing in numbers
falling in numbers
shrinking in numbers

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decreasing in number vs decreasing in numbers