a decline to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decline to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a decrease or reduction in something, often followed by an action or state that is being declined. Example: "There has been a noticeable decline to accept new applications this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Economists had expected a decline to 57.0.

The New York Times

Economists had forecast a decline to 90.6.

The New York Times

Analysts had expected a decline to 33.8.

The New York Times

Economists had expected a decline to 465,000.

The New York Times

Economists polled by Reuters had expected a decline to 89.3.

The New York Times

The preliminary estimate revealed a decline to 75.2 from 77.5 in September.

The New York Times

For this year, Mr. Gaspar forecasts a decline to 4.5 percent.

The New York Times

On Thursday, new-home sales are forecast to show a decline to an 830,000 annual rate, from 870,000.

The New York Times

Economists had expected a decline to 404,000, and the Labor Department offered no explanation for the drop.

The New York Times

Twenty-four hours later she called back: "Put us down for a decline to comment," she said.

The Guardian - Business

The preliminary estimate recorded in the first half of October revealed a decline to 75.2 from 77.5 in September.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a decline to", ensure you clearly state the original value or state from which the decline occurs to provide context and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a decline to" when you simply mean to refuse something. "Decline" alone is sufficient for refusal; "a decline to" indicates a reduction in quantity or quality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decline to" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb by specifying the resulting level after a decrease. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a decline to" is a prepositional phrase used to describe a reduction from one level to another. Ludwig AI confirms that its grammatical structure is valid, and its frequent appearance in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts underscores its versatility and prevalence in formal writing. It is important to differentiate it from the verb "decline" and to use it specifically when quantifying a decrease towards a specific value. The phrase is often found in economic, scientific, and general reporting to convey decreases in numbers, percentages, or rates.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a decrease to

This alternative uses a more direct synonym for "decline", focusing on the act of lessening.

a reduction to

Similar to "decrease", "reduction" emphasizes the process of making something smaller in amount or size.

a drop to

The word "drop" implies a more sudden or abrupt decrease.

a fall to

"Fall" suggests a movement from a higher to a lower level or state.

a slide to

"Slide" indicates a gradual and often unwanted decline.

a downturn to

Focuses on a negative trend or reversal of fortune.

a weakening to

Highlights the loss of strength or effectiveness leading to a lower state.

a decrease down to

Adds emphasis on reaching to the lower level.

a tapering to

"Tapering" implies a gradual reduction, often in a smooth and controlled manner.

a shrinkage to

Emphasizes the process of becoming smaller or more compact.

FAQs

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

Use "a decline to" to describe a reduction from one level to another. For example, "Economists expected "a decline to" 57.0 in the service sector."

What phrases are similar to "a decline to"?

Similar phrases include "a decrease to", "a reduction to", or "a drop to", which all indicate a decrease toward a specific level.

Is it correct to say "decline to comment" instead of "a decline to comment"?

"Decline to comment" is used when refusing to give information. "A decline to" is used to describe a decrease in something. The meaning is different.

What's the difference between "a decline to" and "a tendency to"?

"A decline to" indicates a reduction or decrease, while "a tendency to" indicates a predisposition or inclination toward something. They are not interchangeable.