How to use “to dwindle”

The following is a reader submission.

The argument is whether dwindle makes sense on the following sentence:

Mrs. Jones, please dwindle down the invitation list.

Both sides of the argument agree that dwindle makes sense in the following sentence:

His finances dwindled down due to his overspending.

We aren’t looking for what sounds best, but whether it is grammatically correct. Please offer an explanation along with your answer.

This has become a major office debate, please help.

Thanks!

Christina

Hi Christina,

Unfortunately, you’re on the wrong side of the debate. Both usages are correct. :)

I consulted five dictionaries, and they all say the verb “to dwindle” can actually be both transitive (i.e. Dwindle the invitation list) and intransitive (i.e. His finances dwindled).

I should point out that accompanying “dwindle” with “down” is redundant since “dwindle’ means a reduction, which “down” implies.

I hope that helps, and sorry it wasn’t in your favour.

Kim

Email me your grammar questions. I’ll be sure to post the question and answer here.