a general decline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a general decline" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a widespread decrease or deterioration in a particular area or aspect, such as economy, health, or performance. Example: "The report indicated a general decline in the population's health over the past decade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The first consequence of that is a general decline in confidence in elections.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In the third year, however, there was a general decline in yields.

Pedosphere

Sugarcane production dropped, and there was a general decline in economic activity.

Britannica

Proportionally more individuals studying geometry, accompanied by a general decline in teaching standards, recommended simplification.

Britannica

Airline mergers and a general decline in domestic passenger traffic have hurt the airport.

The Washington Post

One factor detracting from this year's fund-raising may be a general decline in charitable donations.

The New York Times

This is a problem created by a general decline in asset prices.

The New Yorker

(This continued a general decline since 1992, when the rate hit a record of eleven hundred).

The New Yorker

The company's stock price has been in a general decline for more than a year.

The New York Times

But these are minor currents in what has been a general decline in corporate governance activism.

The New York Times

Kolkata's industries have been in a general decline since Indian independence in 1947.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a general decline", be specific about what is declining. Providing context will make your writing clearer and more impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "a general decline" as a vague descriptor. Always specify the area experiencing the decline to maintain clarity and precision in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a general decline" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It indicates a widespread decrease or downturn. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

33%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a general decline" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes a widespread decrease or downturn. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, from formal academic writing to news reports. To ensure clarity, specify what is experiencing the decline. While alternatives like "a widespread decrease" or "a broad downturn" exist, "a general decline" remains a versatile and effective choice for expressing a broad negative trend.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a widespread decrease

Replaces "general decline" with more direct synonyms, emphasizing the breadth of the decrease.

a broad downturn

Uses "downturn" to suggest a negative trend affecting a wide area.

a comprehensive reduction

Emphasizes that the reduction is thorough and affects many aspects.

an overall decrease

Similar to "a general decline" but uses "overall" for emphasis.

a widespread deterioration

Focuses on the aspect of quality degrading across a large scope.

a universal decrease

Indicates that the decrease is affecting all or nearly all instances.

a sweeping decline

Implies a large, impactful decline occurring across a wide area.

a marked decrease

Highlights that the decrease is noticeable and significant.

a noticeable downturn

Similar to "a broad downturn" but emphasizes the visibility of the negative trend.

a significant reduction

Stresses the importance and magnitude of the reduction.

FAQs

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

You can use "a general decline" to describe a widespread decrease in something. For instance, "There has been a general decline in voter turnout" or "The company experienced a general decline in profits".

What's a good alternative to "a general decline"?

Alternatives include "a widespread decrease", "a broad downturn", or "an overall decrease", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "a general decline" or "a specific decline"?

The choice depends on the context. "A general decline" implies a broad trend, while "a specific decline" points to a decrease in a particular area or item. Using "a specific decline" is better when you want to be precise.

What causes "a general decline" in economic activity?

A "general decline" in economic activity can be caused by various factors, such as decreased consumer spending, increased unemployment, or global economic downturns. These factors often interact to create a widespread decrease in economic performance.