Declined steadily

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Declined steadily" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual decrease in something over time, such as sales, interest, or health. Example: "The company's profits declined steadily over the last three quarters, leading to concerns about its future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Membership declined steadily thereafter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Gonorrhea cases then declined steadily.

The New York Times

His reputation declined steadily after 1930.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Since the 1960s manufacturing has declined steadily.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But grosses have since declined steadily.

The New York Times

His output declined steadily in later years.

The New York Times - Arts

The downtown area has declined steadily.

The New York Times

Stocks started lower and declined steadily throughout the day.

The New York Times

Since February, though, the shares have declined steadily.

The New York Times - Tech

Performances of Wagner's works declined steadily under the Nazis.

The Economist

The percentage of Slovaks in the region declined steadily.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "declined steadily" to describe a consistent, gradual reduction or decrease over time. Ensure the context supports the idea of a continuous downward trend.

Common error

Avoid using "declined steadily" when the decrease is not gradual or consistent. If there are significant fluctuations, a phrase like "declined overall" or "fluctuated downwards" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "declined steadily" functions as a descriptive phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the manner in which something decreased. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a common way to express a gradual reduction. Examples show its use across various domains to describe trends.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "declined steadily" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to describe a gradual and consistent decrease over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions descriptively, modifying verbs to specify the manner of reduction across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While it maintains a neutral register, its specific use is to inform about trends or changes occurring over a period. For alternatives, consider "decreased gradually" or "fell consistently" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Ensure the context supports the idea of a continuous downward trend to avoid misusing the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Decreased gradually

Focuses on the gradual nature of the decrease but uses a different verb.

Fell consistently

Highlights the consistent nature of the fall, using a different verb and adverb.

Lessened gradually

Emphasizes the lessening or diminishing aspect of the reduction.

Diminished continuously

Emphasizes the continuous reduction, employing a more formal vocabulary.

Reduced incrementally

Stresses the small steps of reduction, offering a more detailed perspective.

Dropped incrementally

Focuses on the small, stepwise nature of the decrease.

Eroded slowly

Implies a gradual wearing away, suitable for contexts involving loss of something intangible.

Receded slowly

Suggests a slow withdrawal or retreat, fitting for contexts like water levels or influence.

Deteriorated progressively

Suggests a gradual worsening or decay, appropriate for negative contexts.

Waned continuously

Implies a continuous decline in strength or intensity, often used metaphorically.

FAQs

How can I use "declined steadily" in a sentence?

You can use "declined steadily" to describe a gradual decrease over time, like in the sentence, "The company's profits "declined steadily" throughout the year."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "declined steadily"?

Some alternatives to "declined steadily" include phrases like "decreased gradually", "fell consistently", or "diminished continuously", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "declined steadily"?

Yes, "declined steadily" is a correct and commonly used phrase in English to describe a gradual and consistent decrease over time.

What's the difference between "declined steadily" and "declined sharply"?

"Declined steadily" indicates a gradual and consistent decrease, while "declined sharply" suggests a sudden and significant drop. The choice depends on the nature of the decrease you are describing.