a steady decline

USAGE SUMMARY

"a steady decline" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe a gradual but consistent decrease in something, like the number of sales or amount of revenue. For example, "The company saw a steady decline in sales over the past year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Virginia stopped issuing crabbing licenses a decade ago because of a steady decline in the shellfish.

The New York Times

Then began a steady decline.

The New Yorker

It has been a steady decline since.

The Washington Post

Also, television news viewership has been on a steady decline.

Columbia University

Commercially, it's been a steady decline ever since (chuckles).

The Guardian

This led to a steady decline in personal saving.

The New York Times

Recent seasons demonstrate a steady decline in net spend.

The Guardian - Sport

In this condition, FS ratings showed a steady decline.

Nature

The market had started on a steady decline.

The New York Times

Rail traffic took a steady decline after that.

The New York Times

They have been on a steady decline throughout this year.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a steady decline", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is declining. Providing specific metrics or examples strengthens the statement and makes it more impactful.

Common error

Be cautious about attributing "a steady decline" to a specific cause without sufficient evidence. Ensure that the cause-and-effect relationship is well-supported and not merely a correlation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a steady decline" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a gradual but consistent decrease or deterioration. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a steady decline" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a gradual and consistent reduction. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's correct and usable in various contexts. It functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving to inform about negative trends. While the phrase is appropriate for both formal and informal use, it is especially prevalent in News & Media, Academia, and Scientific contexts. When using "a steady decline", ensure the subject of the decline is clearly identified and avoid assuming causation without proper evidence. Alternative phrases such as "a gradual decrease" or "a consistent reduction" can be used to provide subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a gradual decrease

Replaces 'steady' with 'gradual', emphasizing the slowness of the decline.

a consistent reduction

Substitutes 'decline' with 'reduction', highlighting the diminishing quantity or amount.

a progressive fall

Uses 'fall' instead of 'decline', suggesting a downward movement over time.

a continuous drop

Emphasizes the uninterrupted nature of the decrease with 'continuous'.

a sustained downturn

Replaces 'decline' with 'downturn', commonly used in economic contexts.

a marked decrease

Replaces steady with marked, emphasizing the visibility of the decline.

a noticeable reduction

Replaces 'steady' with 'noticeable', indicating that the decline is easily observed.

a persistent weakening

Uses 'weakening' to convey a loss of strength or effectiveness over time.

a systematic erosion

Emphasizes a gradual and methodical deterioration or wearing away.

a regular diminution

Substitutes 'decline' with 'diminution', indicating a lessening or reduction in size or importance.

FAQs

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

You can use "a steady decline" to describe a gradual but consistent decrease in something. For example, "The company experienced "a steady decline" in profits over the last quarter."

What are some synonyms for "a steady decline"?

Alternatives to "a steady decline" include phrases like "a gradual decrease", "a consistent reduction", or "a progressive fall", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

The choice between "a steady decline" and "a rapid decline" depends on the context. "A steady decline" suggests a gradual change over time, while "a rapid decline" indicates a quick and significant drop.

Can "a steady decline" be used in both formal and informal writing?

Yes, "a steady decline" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. It's a clear and widely understood phrase that suits various contexts.