a decreasing rate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decreasing rate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where the speed or frequency of something is diminishing over time. Example: "The study showed that there is a decreasing rate of population growth in the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But isn't there a decreasing rate of return on the amount of time spent with a single patient?

The New York Times - Magazine

In phase two, growth is still negative, but output falls at a decreasing rate.

The Economist

But when people worked more than about 50 hours, output rose at a decreasing rate.

The Economist

So the car goes faster and faster with a decreasing rate of efficiency and an increasing probability of tragedy.

TechCrunch

As income further rises, BMI will continue to increase but at a decreasing rate.

Health Economics Review

The number of visits also increased with age but at a decreasing rate.

Health Economics Review

The remitting likelihood also rises with the migrant's age, although at a decreasing rate.

IZA Journal of Migration

As it was expected, income increases with age, but at a decreasing rate.

Latin American Economic Review

Subsections are still, however, propagated at a decreasing rate as accorded by the hierarchy.

Journal of Cloud Computing

Household income increases the probability to send remittances but at a decreasing rate.

IZA Journal of Migration

The electrical resistivity was found to decrease at a decreasing rate with consolidating pressure.

Measurement

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a decreasing rate", ensure the context clearly defines what is decreasing. For example, "a decreasing rate of unemployment" is more precise than simply "a decreasing rate".

Common error

Avoid using "a decreasing rate" when the quantity is simply low, not actively decreasing. "A low rate" is appropriate when there's no ongoing change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decreasing rate" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a situation where a quantity is diminishing over time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

79%

News & Media

19%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a decreasing rate" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the slowing down of a decline. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples indicates its prevalence in scientific and news contexts. To ensure clarity, always specify what is decreasing. Remember that alternative phrases like "a declining rate" can add variety to your writing. Avoid using "a decreasing rate" if the quantity is already low and not changing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a declining pace

Emphasizes the slowing down of progress or movement.

a diminishing speed

Focuses on the reduction in velocity or swiftness.

a lessening frequency

Highlights the reduction in how often something occurs.

a receding trend

Suggests a gradual movement away from a particular direction or pattern.

a downward trajectory

Implies a path moving towards a lower point or value.

a tapering off

Describes a gradual decrease in intensity or amount.

a slowdown

A more general term for a decrease in activity or speed.

a reduction in speed

Explicitly states the decrease in velocity.

a deceleration

Focuses on the act of slowing down.

a negative acceleration

Technically describes a decrease in the rate of change of velocity.

FAQs

How can I use "a decreasing rate" in a sentence?

Use "a decreasing rate" to describe how quickly something slows down or diminishes over time. For example, "The population is growing at "a decreasing rate"".

What's a synonym for "a decreasing rate"?

You can use synonyms like "a declining rate", "a diminishing rate", or "a slowing pace" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the rate is decreasing" instead of "a decreasing rate"?

Yes, "the rate is decreasing" is grammatically correct. "A decreasing rate" functions as a noun phrase, while "the rate is decreasing" is a clause using the verb 'decrease'.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "a decreasing rate"?

Avoid using "a decreasing rate" if you simply mean a low number or percentage. Use it only when something is actively diminishing over time. For a static value, use "a low rate" or a similar phrase.