a downward trend

USAGE SUMMARY

"a downward trend" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which progress or success is diminishing over time. For example, "The company's sales have been following a downward trend over the past few quarters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's a downward trend in attendance".

The New York Times

The dollar "remains on a downward trend," he said.

The New York Times

"I think we are on a downward trend," he said.

The New York Times

Burglaries were on a downward trend throughout that period.

The Guardian - Money

"We know there is a downward trend of listening hours.

The Guardian

The next year, murders resumed a downward trend.

The Guardian

The decline extended a downward trend since 1997.

The New York Times

Worryingly, there is a downward trend in participation.

The Guardian

But we can already see a downward trend in cost.

MIT Technology Review

Oscars ratings have been on a downward trend for years.

The Washington Post

That was better than expected and continued a downward trend.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing data, clearly specify the timeframe over which the "downward trend" is observed to provide context.

Common error

Avoid mistaking temporary dips for an established "downward trend". Ensure sufficient data points confirm a consistent decline over a reasonable period before concluding a trend exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a downward trend" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a pattern of decline, as validated by Ludwig with the numerous examples found in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a downward trend" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe a declining pattern over time. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, science, and business contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to specify the timeframe, avoid mistaking temporary fluctuations for a real trend, and consider potential causes. For alternatives, consider phrases like "a declining tendency" or "a decreasing pattern". Remember that while often negative, "a downward trend" can sometimes indicate positive developments. With a high expert rating, this phrase is a reliable way to express decrease in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a declining tendency

Replaces 'trend' with 'tendency', emphasizing the inclination towards decline.

a decreasing pattern

Substitutes 'trend' with 'pattern', highlighting the presence of a recognizable, diminishing sequence.

a falling trajectory

Uses 'trajectory' to imply a path or course that is descending.

a diminishing slope

Employs 'slope' to suggest a gradual decline or reduction.

a receding movement

Replaces 'trend' with 'movement' and 'downward' with 'receding', indicating a backward or away motion.

a negative progression

Uses 'progression' to convey a sequence that is moving in a negative direction.

a lessening inclination

Combines 'lessening' with 'inclination' to depict a reduction in tendency.

a declining direction

Substitutes 'trend' with 'direction', emphasizing the path of decrease.

a waning course

Uses 'waning' to indicate a fading or decreasing course of action.

a subsiding motion

Replaces 'downward' with 'subsiding', suggesting a reduction in intensity or activity.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a downward trend" in a sentence?

Use "a downward trend" to describe a situation where a measurable quantity is consistently decreasing over time. For example, "There is "a downward trend" in student enrollment due to rising tuition costs."

What are some alternative ways to express "a downward trend"?

You can use phrases such as "a declining tendency", "a decreasing pattern", or "a falling trajectory" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always negative to identify "a downward trend"?

While "a downward trend" often implies a negative development, such as declining sales or increasing unemployment, it can also be a positive sign in certain contexts, like ""a downward trend" in the number of new COVID-19 cases".

What factors should I consider when analyzing "a downward trend"?

When analyzing "a downward trend", consider the magnitude of the decrease, the time period over which it occurs, and potential underlying causes. Also, look for any mitigating factors that might reverse or slow the trend. Comparing to historical data is also helpful.