a dwindling number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dwindling number of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where the quantity of something is decreasing over time. Example: "In recent years, there has been a dwindling number of species in the rainforest due to deforestation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

But a dwindling number of Americans are behind him.

The Economist

A dwindling number of fish in the world's oceans?

The New York Times

Too bad a dwindling number of New Yorkers can even hear that clock.

The New York Times

Japan faces an aging population with a dwindling number of workers.

The New York Times

Mr. Coffin is among a dwindling number of craftsmen who repair antique wooden clocks.

The New York Times

This is the real surge, with a dwindling number of overseers riding herd.

The New York Times

B5 CONVENTION NO-SHOWS -- A dwindling number of people are going to conventions these days.

The New York Times

However, a dwindling number of them belong to the country of the Church's birth.

The New York Times

Mr. Watanabe admits that his plan has a dwindling number of adherents.

The New York Times

But rising costs and a dwindling number of volunteers have hampered the corps in the last decade.

The New York Times

It is used in a few tournament events, and in a dwindling number of small invitational expert competitions.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a dwindling number of" to effectively convey a sense of decreasing quantity or declining presence, particularly when emphasizing the negative consequences of this reduction.

Common error

While "dwindling" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or scientific writing. Consider stronger, more precise terms like "decreasing", "reducing", or specifying the rate of decline.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dwindling number of" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically modifying a noun to indicate a decreasing quantity. It describes the noun in terms of its diminishing presence, as shown in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a dwindling number of" effectively conveys a reduction in quantity, often with negative connotations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "a decreasing number of" exist, "a dwindling number of" emphasizes a more concerning decline. When writing, be mindful of the context and consider if a more precise term might be appropriate for highly formal or scientific settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A diminishing quantity of

Replaces "number" with "quantity", focusing on the amount rather than the count.

A decreasing amount of

Similar to "diminishing quantity", but specifically refers to something measurable.

A reduced number of

Uses "reduced" instead of "dwindling", suggesting a more abrupt decrease.

A shrinking pool of

Employs "shrinking pool" metaphorically to indicate a limited and decreasing resource or group.

A lessening of

More concise, focusing on the act of decreasing rather than the quantity itself.

A falling number of

Uses "falling" to convey a sense of decline.

A drop in the number of

Highlights the decline as a measurable drop.

A decline in

A more general term for a decrease or reduction.

A shortage of

Indicates a lack or insufficiency due to a reduction in number.

A scarcity of

Similar to "shortage", emphasizing the limited availability.

FAQs

How do I use "a dwindling number of" in a sentence?

Use "a dwindling number of" to describe a situation where something is decreasing in quantity or frequency. For example, "There is "a dwindling number of" bees due to pesticide use".

What are some alternatives to "a dwindling number of"?

You can use alternatives such as "a decreasing number of", "a shrinking number of", or "a reduced number of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the dwindling number"?

Yes, "the dwindling number" can be correct if you are referring to a specific number that is decreasing. However, ""a dwindling number of"" is used when referring to multiple instances of something.

What's the difference between "a dwindling number of" and "a decreasing number of"?

While both phrases indicate a reduction, ""a dwindling number of"" often implies a more gradual and concerning decline compared to "a decreasing number of", which is a more neutral term.