a gradual decline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a gradual decline" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe a slow and steady decrease in something over time. Example: "The economy saw a gradual decline over the past year due to ongoing challenges in the global market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I've seen a gradual decline," she said.

The New York Times

If an extraterrestrial impact occurred during a gradual decline, that might explain the seemingly contradictory evidence.

University of California, Berkeley

"A gradual decline in the dollar shouldn't be surprising and shouldn't be disruptive," he said.

The New York Times

The county's population rose to 13,925 from 9,377, before beginning a gradual decline.

The New York Times

Despite a gradual decline in health, she continued to write with undiminished vigour and sharpness.

The Guardian

Entropy – that's something as well, a gradual decline to disorder, like my hair in the wind.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

For the large majority of them, it's a gradual decline over years or decades.

The Guardian

Old age seems to be a series of lurches, rather than a gradual decline.

The New Yorker

Annual shipping tonnage had reached its peak in 1977, however, after which a gradual decline ensued.

Britannica

Tech's rise is helping to offset a gradual decline in jobs on Wall Street.

The New York Times

Yet the rise of television, the Bougliones said, led to a gradual decline in their audiences.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a gradual decline", ensure the context provides a clear reference point for what is declining. Specify the subject experiencing the decline to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a gradual decline" without specifying what is declining. For example, instead of saying "There was a gradual decline", specify what experienced the decline, such as "There was a gradual decline in sales".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a gradual decline" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a process or state of diminishing or lessening over a period of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a gradual decline" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a slow and steady decrease. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. When using this phrase, remember to clearly specify what is declining to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "a steady downturn" or "a progressive reduction" to add nuance. Always ensure the context aligns with the slow and continuous nature of the decline being described. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "a gradual decline" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slow decrease

Replaces "gradual" with its direct synonym "slow".

an incremental decrease

Highlights the step-by-step nature of the reduction.

a subsequent decrease

Changes the focus to the timing of the decrease, implying it follows something else.

a steady downturn

Replaces "decline" with "downturn" to emphasize a negative trend and uses "steady" instead of "gradual".

a progressive reduction

Uses "reduction" for a more formal tone and "progressive" to stress the ongoing nature.

a measured fall

Substitutes "decline" with "fall", suggesting a controlled or quantifiable reduction.

a creeping diminution

Employs "diminution" for a more sophisticated term, indicating a lessening and "creeping" emphasizes slowness.

a phased drop

Emphasizes the stepped or incremental nature of the decrease.

a bit-by-bit erosion

Implies a wearing away, suggesting a loss over time.

a year-on-year decrease

Adds a time component, specifying the decline happens each year.

FAQs

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

You can use "a gradual decline" to describe a slow and steady decrease in something over time. For example: "The company experienced "a gradual decline" in profits due to increased competition."

What are some alternatives to "a gradual decline"?

You can use alternatives such as "a steady downturn", "a progressive reduction", or "a slow decrease" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "a gradual decline" or "a rapid decline"?

The choice between "a gradual decline" and "a rapid decline" depends entirely on the speed at which something is decreasing. "A gradual decline" suggests a slow and steady decrease, while "a rapid decline" indicates a fast and sudden decrease.

What's the difference between "a gradual decline" and "a steady decline"?

"A gradual decline" emphasizes the slowness of the decrease, while "a steady decline" emphasizes the consistent and unwavering nature of the decrease. They can often be used interchangeably, but the nuance differs slightly.