a decline

USAGE SUMMARY

"a decline" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a decrease in something, such as a decline in sales or a decline in attendance. For example, "The company has seen a decline in profits this quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Analysts had expected a decline.

The New York Times

Economists had forecast a decline.

The New York Times

None of the states had a decline.

The New York Times

Economists had expected a decline to 57.0.

The New York Times

American schools, too, have seen a decline.

The New York Times

In the 15th century a decline began.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The first is a decline in murders.

The Economist

That is a decline of 23 percent.

The New York Times

What might prompt such a decline?

The New York Times

And a decline at department stores.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Company A declined to make a bid.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a decline", ensure the context clearly specifies what is declining. For example, instead of saying "there was a decline", specify "there was a decline in sales".

Common error

Avoid using "a decline" without specifying the subject or area experiencing the decrease. Be specific to prevent ambiguity. For example, instead of "The study showed a decline", specify "The study showed a decline in student performance".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decline" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in describing reductions in various contexts, such as economic indicators, academic performance, or general trends. The phrase introduces the concept of diminution in a statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a decline" is a commonly used noun phrase that indicates a reduction or downturn. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. It functions to report on diminishing trends in various contexts, from economic performance to academic results. While versatile, it's important to specify the subject experiencing the decline for clarity. Alternatives such as "a decrease" or "a downturn" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Its frequent use in news media and scientific publications highlights its relevance in both formal and neutral registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a decrease

Direct synonym, indicating a reduction in quantity or intensity.

a downturn

Implies a negative trend, often in economic contexts.

a drop

Suggests a sudden or sharp decrease.

a reduction

Formal term for lessening or diminishing.

a fall

Similar to "a drop", but can also imply a loss of status or position.

a weakening

Indicates a loss of strength or effectiveness.

a slide

Suggests a gradual and often unwanted decline.

a regression

Implies a return to a less developed state.

a deterioration

Focuses on the worsening of a condition or situation.

a setback

Indicates a temporary fall or reversal in progress.

FAQs

How can I use "a decline" in a sentence?

You can use "a decline" to describe a decrease or downturn in something. For instance, "The company experienced "a decline" in profits last quarter", or "There was "a decline" in the number of students attending the lecture".

What's the difference between "a decline" and "a decrease"?

While both terms indicate a reduction, "a decline" often suggests a more gradual or negative trend, whereas "a decrease" is a more neutral term for a reduction in quantity or amount. You could use "a decrease" in cases where the reduction isn't necessarily negative.

Which is correct, "a decline in" or "a decline of"?

"A decline in" is generally used to indicate what is decreasing, while "a decline of" is used to specify the amount or degree of the decrease. For example, "a decline in sales" vs. "a decline of 10%".

What are some phrases similar to "a decline"?

Alternatives to "a decline" include "a decrease", "a downturn", or "a reduction", depending on the context. Each carries a slightly different connotation, so choose the one that best fits the specific situation.