a general decrease

USAGE SUMMARY

"a general decrease" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase to refer to a decrease in something that is shared by a large group or population. For example, "Recent studies have shown that there has been a general decrease in student achievement over the past ten years."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

National statistics show a general decrease in knife killings in the five-year period from January 2003 to December 2007.

The New York Times

The chief executive, Peter Davis, said that a general decrease in consumer spending also contributed to the slowdown.

The New York Times

The results showed a general decrease in risk scores during the Special Period.

Environment International

The spatio-temporal results revealed a general decrease of fragmentation and diversity.

Journal of Arid Environments

The addition of increasing amounts of the tin determined a general decrease in the coking formation.

Catalysis Today

Results indicate a general decrease in streamflow across the Yellow River basin.

Journal of Hydrology

Although there has been a general decrease in the number of inpatients, this is not the case for black and mixed race people.

The Guardian

Radio 1 executives today blamed the downturn on interest in the World Cup and a general decrease in audiences across most radio stations.

The Guardian

This relationship remained as the peak flow arrived, although it coincided with a general decrease in the 234U/238U ratios.

Chemical Geology

Visual inspection suggests a general decrease in σr(t|fc) over time, marked by sudden increases during times of political conflict.

Nature

All the biodiesel blends displayed a general decrease in oxidation stability with increase in storage period.

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing trends, use "a general decrease" to indicate a widespread reduction across a population or category. Be sure to specify the subject and context of the decrease for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a general decrease" when referring to a specific, isolated instance. Ensure the decrease applies broadly, not just to a single case or data point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a general decrease" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It signifies a widespread or overall reduction in something, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples, which span various contexts from scientific data to news reports.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

29%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a general decrease" is a versatile phrase used to describe a widespread reduction or decline. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various fields, particularly in science and news. While generally neutral in tone, it leans toward formal contexts. Remember to use it when referring to broad reductions and to specify the context for clarity. Consider alternatives like "a widespread decline" or "a broad reduction" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a widespread decline

Emphasizes the broad extent of the reduction.

a broad reduction

Highlights the comprehensive nature of the decrease.

an overall drop

Focuses on the total decrease observed.

a common lessening

Suggests a typical or frequently observed reduction.

a noticeable downturn

Implies the decrease is significant and easily observed.

a marked decline

Emphasizes the clear and distinct nature of the decrease.

a substantial reduction

Focuses on the significant amount of the decrease.

a gradual decrease

Implies a slow and steady reduction over time.

a steady decline

Suggests a consistent and continuous decrease.

a typical diminution

Highlights the conventional or expected nature of the decrease.

FAQs

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

Use "a general decrease" to describe a widespread reduction or decline. For example: "There has been a general decrease in the number of students applying to humanities programs."

What are some alternatives to "a general decrease"?

You can use alternatives like "a widespread decline", "a broad reduction", or "an overall drop" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a general decrease" or "an overall decrease"?

"A general decrease" and "an overall decrease" are similar. "A general decrease" implies a decline across a wider scope, while "an overall decrease" emphasizes the total reduction. The better choice depends on the specific context you're describing.

What's the difference between "a general decrease" and "a significant decrease"?

"A general decrease" refers to a widespread or common decline, while "a significant decrease" highlights the magnitude or importance of the reduction. The former emphasizes scope, while the latter emphasizes impact.