a sagging

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sagging" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is drooping or losing firmness, often in reference to physical objects or body parts. Example: "The old sofa had a sagging cushion that made it uncomfortable to sit on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When this planet is nothing but a sagging husk?

The New Yorker

The arch was intended to revitalize a sagging commercial strip.

The New York Times

She attributes the sparsity of gigs to a sagging economy.

The New York Times

Frank finds her there balanced on a sagging balustrade.

The New Yorker

Hold briefly and then slowly lower the back into a sagging position.

University of California, Berkeley

Given a sagging economy and a well of social grievances, the immediate test will be hard.

The Economist

Such bursts of zeal have given a tentative boost to a sagging apparel industry.

The New York Times

Yet, those earnings reports weren't enough to prevent a sagging in bank stocks on Friday.

The New York Times

But it was a sagging spirit, not indolence, that kept her under the covers.

The New York Times

The year in geology, from a sagging California to a crumbling Mischief Reef.

The New Yorker

I could hold up a sagging bust line with the best of them".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sagging" to vividly describe a decline, whether physical (like "a sagging roof") or abstract (like "a sagging economy").

Common error

While versatile, "a sagging" can sound less professional in formal reports. Opt for alternatives like "a declining" or "a weakening" for a more serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sagging" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes a state of decline, weakness, or drooping, providing a descriptive detail about the noun it modifies. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a sagging" is a versatile descriptor indicating a decline or weakening, applicable to both physical objects and abstract concepts like economies. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely used. While prevalent in news and media, remember that in formal contexts, alternatives like "a declining" or "a weakening" might be more appropriate. Be mindful of the specific nuance you want to convey, choosing from synonyms like "drooping", "slumping", or "crumbling" to best fit the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a declining

Focuses on the process of decreasing or weakening.

a weakening

Emphasizes the loss of strength or power.

a drooping

Specifically refers to something hanging down limply.

a slumping

Implies a sudden or dramatic fall in condition or value.

a failing

Suggests a lack of success or effectiveness.

a deteriorating

Emphasizes the process of becoming progressively worse.

a crumbling

Suggests disintegration or collapse.

a collapsing

Implies a sudden and complete failure or breakdown.

a languishing

Describes a state of weakness or inactivity.

a wilting

Refers to something losing its freshness or vitality.

FAQs

How to use "a sagging" in a sentence?

You can use "a sagging" to describe something that is drooping or losing firmness, such as "a sagging roof" or "a sagging economy".

What can I say instead of "a sagging"?

Alternatives include "a declining", "a weakening", or "a drooping" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a sagging" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a sagging" might be too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "a deteriorating" or "a failing" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "a sagging" and "a slumping"?

"A sagging" generally implies a gradual decline or drooping, while "a slumping" suggests a sudden or dramatic fall.