a negative trend

USAGE SUMMARY

'a negative trend' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a pattern of results that is decreasing or deteriorating over time. For example, "The survey results show a negative trend in customer satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some data provide a positive trend, other a negative trend.

Advances in Space Research

A negative trend was observed for cultivars Cancan and Nelly, but not for cultivar Tamburo.

Nature

He added: "It's misleading to look at ratings for selected events and conclude that a negative trend is happening.

The New York Times - Sports

When tested for each cultivar separately cultivar Cancan and Nelly showed a negative trend, but not cultivar Tamburo.

Nature

A negative trend is that wheel loads in agriculture are still increasing causing severe damage to subsoils.

Soil and Tillage Research

But the over-reliance on "hardware" on Central European soil as "proof" of a high strategic partnership was a negative trend the Obama administration inherited.

The New York Times

And of 135 breeding species she surveyed, all but 3 showed a negative trend in occupancy compared with that observed by Grinnell and his team.

University of California, Berkeley

Moreover, I've looked at these data more closely and there is a negative trend in all four seasons of the year: summer, fall, winter and spring.

University of California, Berkeley

Low inflation is undoubtedly welcomed by Germany's consumers, but lack of price pressure in the economy is reflective of a negative trend in the wider eurozone.

The Guardian - Business

Such algorithms may create so-called filter bubbles, which reinforce a negative trend of our time – the one that leads to more polarized communities.

The Guardian - Tech

There is inherent randomness in the climate system and a negative trend in these random oscillations is apparently the reason for the recent slowdown in surface temperature increase.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a negative trend", specify the area or metric to which the trend applies to provide context. For example, "a negative trend in sales" or "a negative trend in water quality".

Common error

Avoid using "a negative trend" without providing specific details about what is declining. A statement like, "There's a negative trend" lacks crucial information and can be misinterpreted. Provide the specifics to avoid vagueness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a negative trend" functions as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence, describing a pattern of decline or deterioration. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a negative trend" is a commonly used phrase to describe a pattern of decline or deterioration. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability across diverse fields like science, news, and business. When employing this phrase, provide sufficient context by specifying the subject or metric experiencing the decline. While widely accepted, avoiding overgeneralization will ensure clarity and precision in your writing. Alternatives like ""a downward trajectory"" or ""a downturn"" can add nuance depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a downward trajectory

Emphasizes the path of decline, using a more visual metaphor.

a declining pattern

Focuses on the repetitive and observable nature of the decline.

a downturn

Commonly used in economic contexts to indicate a decline.

a worsening situation

Highlights the deterioration of circumstances, broader than just a trend.

a deteriorating tendency

Suggests an inherent inclination towards decline.

an unfavorable development

Stresses the undesirable nature of the unfolding events.

a regression

Highlights a return to a less developed state.

a setback

Implies a temporary reversal or obstacle, shorter-term than a trend.

a slide

Conveys a smooth, often uncontrolled decline.

a decrease

Indicates a simple reduction in quantity or value.

FAQs

How can I use "a negative trend" in a sentence?

You can use "a negative trend" to describe a decline or worsening situation. For example, "The data indicates "a negative trend" in student test scores over the past five years."

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a negative trend"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a downward trajectory", "a declining pattern", or "a worsening situation".

Is it always appropriate to use "a negative trend" in formal writing?

Yes, "a negative trend" is appropriate for formal writing. However, ensure that the context is clear and that you provide specific details about the trend you are describing. More specific alternatives such as "a downturn" might also be considered.

What's the difference between "a negative trend" and "a negative tendency"?

"A negative trend" refers to an observable decline over time, while "a negative tendency" suggests an inclination or predisposition toward something unfavorable. A trend is something that is happening, a tendency is a possibility of something happening.