a decline by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decline by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a decrease in a specific quantity or value, often followed by a numerical figure or percentage. Example: "The company reported a decline by 15% in its quarterly earnings compared to last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

That is a decline by a factor of more than 800 over four years.

The New York Times

Originally developed as a suburban area, the North End suffered a decline by the mid-1960's.

The New York Times

[C1.] Japanese Companies Join to Strengthen Chip Industry Japanese chip makers are trying to snap out of a decline by joining forces, either by sharing factory construction costs or through outright mergers.

The New York Times

Mr. Schwartz recommends buying shares of the S.& P. 500 Depository Trust, a market index fund that trades on the American Stock Exchange, and to insure against a decline by simultaneously buying long-term put options on the S.& P. 500.

The New York Times

Using DMA a decline by two orders of magnitude was found.

Combustion and Flame

On the other hand, grasslands experienced a decline by 1.6%to74.2%2% of the land area.

Pastoralism

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

When the temperature exceeds optimum range, A declines by reducing the activation of ribulose-1,5-bis-phosphate carboxylase/oxygenase [ 40].

BMC Plant Biology

Martha Stewart Q4 Profit Hit By Ad Decline.

Forbes

However, a steady decline by an average annual 1.5% in the net enrolment is apparent.

Unicef

A secular decline, by contrast, would indicate that demand in China is weakening and rebalancing has been suspended.

The Guardian - Business

The company reported 17percentt revenue growth, compared with 7percentt growth at AOL Time Warner and a 2percentt decline by the Walt Disney Company.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a decline by", ensure the context clearly specifies what is declining and by what measure. Use precise language to avoid ambiguity, especially when dealing with numerical data or percentages.

Common error

Avoid using "a decline by" without clearly stating what is declining. For instance, instead of saying "There was a decline by 20%", specify "Sales experienced a decline by 20%".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decline by" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase indicating a reduction or decrease in a specific quantity or value. As evidenced by Ludwig, it's often followed by a numerical figure or percentage to quantify the extent of the decline.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a decline by" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a reduction or decrease, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's particularly prevalent in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly specify what is declining and by what measure to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "a decrease of" or "a drop in" exist, "a decline by" maintains a neutral tone suitable for various informative purposes. Remember to use precise language and numerical data for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a decrease of

This alternative focuses on the general concept of lessening, offering a slightly broader scope than the original phrase.

a reduction in

This variant emphasizes the process of diminishing something, slightly shifting the focus from the resulting state.

a drop in

This option evokes a more sudden or abrupt decrease compared to the original phrase's neutral tone.

a fall in

This choice emphasizes a downward trend or decline, adding a sense of directionality to the reduction.

a lowering of

This phrase places emphasis on the action of reducing something to a lower level.

a slide in

This alternative implies a gradual and often unwanted decline, adding a negative connotation.

a weakening of

This option suggests a loss of strength or intensity, providing a more nuanced perspective on the decrease.

a contraction of

This choice emphasizes a shrinking or compression, suitable for describing decreases in size or scope.

a cut in

This version emphasizes a sharp or decisive reduction, often associated with deliberate actions.

a depletion of

This alternative highlights the exhaustion or using up of something, emphasizing a loss of resources.

FAQs

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

You can use "a decline by" to describe a reduction or decrease. For example, "The company reported "a decline by" 10% in profits this quarter."

What are some alternatives to "a decline by"?

Alternatives include "a decrease of", "a reduction in", or "a drop in", which can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "a decline by" or "a decrease of"?

Both ""a decline by"" and "a decrease of" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably in many contexts. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific tone you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "a decline by" and "declined by"?

"A decline by" is a noun phrase, while "declined by" is a verb phrase. For example, "There was a decline by 10%" (noun) versus "Sales declined by 10%" (verb).