a dying trade

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dying trade" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to refer to an industry or profession that is in decline, and is used as an adjective phrase. For example, "The art of manual bookbinding has become a dying trade in the digital age."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"It's a dying trade," he said sadly.

The New York Times

"I thought I was learning a dying trade but now, at the age of 49, I couldn't be busier".

Independent

Today, Henry Ng believes he is the last in what has become a dying trade in Singapore, as cheaper alternatives can be made in China.

The New York Times - Arts

If one function of theatre is to take you into other worlds, Bean's play succeeds in conveying the hermetic heroism of a dying trade.

The Guardian

"Ours is a dying trade as digital and video take over," says Paul Natkin, who spent nearly three decades photographing Chicago's music scene.

The New York Times

Fishermen seem to agree: the Scottish Fishermen's Federation says that a good many boats cannot put to sea because crewmen have gone to better-paid offshore oil work and skippers are discouraging sons from taking on the family boat.Given that there are plenty of alternative jobs in the areas where fishing is concentrated, the social cost of a dying trade need not be too high.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

They touch on Italian anarcho-communists, assisted dying, trade unions, political and personal betrayal, the sexual puritanism of the Communist party.

The Guardian

Neon, argon, krypton, xenon and their uses, from the blinding light of the arc welder's torch to the dying trade of the neon sign-making.

BBC

Laurence Knight investigates their uses, from the blinding light of the arc welder's torch to the dying trade of the neon sign-making.

BBC

'The time is nigh to throw in the towel on this dying trade and dive headfirst into the hot, bubbly jacuzzi of confectionary marketing!'.

Vice

The time is nigh to throw in the towel on this dying trade and dive headfirst into the hot, bubbly Jacuzzi of sandwich-board marketing!

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "a dying trade" to add a touch of melancholy or urgency when highlighting the impact of modernization or technological advancements on specific jobs or industries.

Common error

Avoid using "a dying trade" when referring to temporary setbacks or minor fluctuations in an industry. This phrase carries a strong connotation of irreversible decline; ensure the situation warrants such a dire characterization.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dying trade" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes a particular trade or profession that is in decline or facing extinction. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Academia

0.5%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dying trade" is a grammatically sound and evocative phrase used to describe professions or skills in decline. As Ludwig AI points out, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, where it serves to highlight the impact of economic and technological shifts on traditional practices. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations genuinely indicative of irreversible decline, and related phrases like "a declining profession" or "a vanishing occupation" can offer nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A declining profession

Focuses on the professional aspect and its diminishing status.

A vanishing occupation

Emphasizes the gradual disappearance of the job.

An obsolete craft

Highlights the outdated nature of the skill or activity.

A sunset industry

Implies a business sector is nearing its end due to economic factors.

A fading skill

Focuses on the loss of proficiency in a particular area.

A dwindling vocation

Similar to 'occupation' but with a stronger sense of calling or purpose that is decreasing.

A disappearing career

Highlights how job opportunities within that field are decreasing.

A moribund business

Indicates that a business is in a state of decline, close to failure.

A waning practice

Signifies that a skill or method is becoming less common.

A withering art

Indicates the slow disappearance of artistic skills and their importance.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a dying trade" in a sentence?

Use "a dying trade" to emphasize the disappearance of traditional skills or professions. For example, "Manual watchmaking is becoming "a dying trade" due to the rise of digital watches".

What are some alternatives to "a dying trade"?

Consider using alternatives like "a declining profession", "a vanishing occupation", or "an obsolete craft" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a dying trade" in a formal context?

Yes, "a dying trade" can be used in formal contexts, particularly when discussing economic trends, cultural preservation, or the impact of technology on the workforce. However, ensure the tone and level of formality match the overall communication.

What makes "a dying trade" different from "a struggling industry"?

"A dying trade" typically refers to specific skills or professions facing obsolescence, while "a struggling industry" describes a broader economic sector facing challenges. The former highlights the loss of individual crafts, whereas the latter addresses the difficulties of entire businesses.