a period of declining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a period of declining" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a timeframe during which something is decreasing or deteriorating, such as economic performance, health, or popularity. Example: "The company experienced a period of declining sales, prompting management to reevaluate their marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Mr. Helms had been in "a period of declining health" recently, Mr. Broughton said.

The New York Times

His wife died in 1774 after a period of declining health.

Britannica

Yet Europe's urban sprawl has had a counterintuitive streak: it has happened during a period of declining population.

The Guardian

The Salem witch trials and hangings took place in 1692 during a period of declining confidence in the old ideal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His son-in-law, David Holmes, said that death occurred after a period of declining health, but that he had continued to work until last summer.

The New York Times

He died after a period of declining health, said Pete Peterson, a retired drummer who was a friend of Mr. Slyde's for 51 years.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Little did I know, growing up, that I was living through a period of decline.

University of California, Berkeley

A period of decline ensued, until 1988, when a university search committee hired Staley.

The New Yorker

After a period of decline in hitchhiking, the net is fuelling its resurgence.

The Guardian - Travel

After a period of decline in some countries, business travel is on the rise.

The Guardian

After Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was killed, al-Qaida in Iraq faced a period of decline.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a period of declining", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is declining. Be specific about the subject experiencing the decline for clarity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that events occurring during "a period of declining" are necessarily caused by the decline itself. Investigate underlying factors to establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a period of declining" functions as a prepositional phrase acting as an adjective, modifying a noun to describe a specific timeframe characterized by decrease or deterioration. Ludwig examples show its application across diverse subjects, from health to economic indicators.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

24%

Science

17%

Less common in

Academia

9%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a period of declining" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a timeframe marked by decrease or deterioration. According to Ludwig AI, it is deemed correct and applicable across a variety of contexts. As shown in the provided Ludwig examples, it commonly appears in news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing, indicating its versatility. When employing this phrase, clarity is crucial, and it is important to specify what exactly is declining to avoid ambiguity. By considering related phrases and potential pitfalls, you can effectively incorporate "a period of declining" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a phase of diminishing

Replaces "period" with "phase" and "declining" with "diminishing", slightly altering the tone to emphasize a gradual reduction.

a spell of decreasing

Substitutes "period" with "spell" and "declining" with "decreasing", providing a more temporary or limited timeframe.

an era of downturn

Uses "era" instead of "period" and "downturn" in place of "declining", suggesting a broader, more significant decline.

a time of weakening

Replaces "period" with "time" and "declining" with "weakening", focusing on the loss of strength or effectiveness.

a stretch of contraction

Replaces "period" with "stretch" and "declining" with "contraction", emphasizing a reduction in size or scope.

a season of recession

Uses "season" to denote a specific period and "recession" to indicate economic decline, providing a more specific context.

a course of depreciation

Substitutes "period" with "course" and "declining" with "depreciation", often used in financial or economic contexts to describe a gradual loss of value.

a duration of erosion

Replaces "period" with "duration" and "declining" with "erosion", highlighting a gradual wearing away or deterioration.

a cycle of diminishing

Emphasizes a recurring nature of diminishing, implying a pattern of decline and potential recovery.

a trajectory of falling

Replaces period and declining with more dynamic terms trajectory and falling, suggesting a clear downward path or trend.

FAQs

How can I use "a period of declining" in a sentence?

You can use "a period of declining" to describe a timeframe when something is decreasing or deteriorating. For instance, "The company faced "a period of declining" sales due to increased competition".

What are some alternatives to saying "a period of declining"?

Alternatives include "a phase of decrease", "an era of decline", or "a time of weakening", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "a period of decline" or "a period of declining"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "a period of decline" generally refers to the state of decline, while "a period of declining" emphasizes the process of something decreasing over time.

What's the difference between "a period of stagnation" and "a period of declining"?

"A period of stagnation" implies a lack of growth or progress, whereas "a period of declining" suggests an active decrease or deterioration. Stagnation is a standstill, while declining is a downward trend.