reduction and decrease

robinblank

robinblank

Member
Mandarin Chinese
Hello everyone.

I think the word reduction and decrease are interchangeable in most cases.

But in the sentence below,can I replace the word decrease with reduction？I just did it,but the exercise said it is not correct.


The manager explained that the decrease in orders would lead to the closure of two factories.



Thank you in advance.
 
    • Where did you find the sentence? If you tell us, we will be able to help. :thumbsup:
     
    Thanks.

    A decrease in orders can be understood as "A decrease within the orders themselves."
    A decrease in orders would/could mean that instead of ordering 100 items, a customer would only order 75 items - a decrease of 25 items.
    ​
    A reduction in orders can be understood as "A reduction in the number/amount of orders.
    A reduction in orders would mean that instead of 100 orders, there would only be 75 orders - a reduction of 25 orders.​
    However, I do not think that many people would make the distinction and your "I think the words reduction and decrease are interchangeable in most cases [but perhaps not all cases]," is correct.
     
    PaulQ said:
    Thanks.

    A decrease in orders can be understood as "A decrease within the orders themselves."
    A decrease in orders would/could mean that instead of ordering 100 items, a customer would only order 75 items - a decrease of 25 items.
    ​
    A reduction in orders can be understood as "A reduction in the number/amount of orders.
    A reduction in orders would mean that instead of 100 orders, there would only be 75 orders - a reduction of 25 orders.​
    However, I do not think that many people would make the distinction and your "I think the words reduction and decrease are interchangeable in most cases [but perhaps not all cases]," is correct.
    Click to expand...


    Now I know why you need to know the context.

    Thank you,PaulQ. Thank you for your explanation and the "words". ^_^
     
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