a steady decrease

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a steady decrease" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a consistent and gradual reduction in quantity, value, or intensity over time. Example: "The company reported a steady decrease in sales over the last quarter, prompting management to reevaluate their marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But he said monthly revenue reports showed a steady decrease in tax receipts throughout this year.

The New York Times

There is a steady decrease in total rainfall from southeast to northwest and a marked increase in variability.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There has been a steady decrease in the number of practitioners who can attend network meetings and help plan and support its activities, such as an annual event that gives BME carers invaluable information and much needed respite.

The Guardian

And while a cap-and-trade approach bears substantial cost, it also brings a benefit whose value is incalculable — a steady decrease in emissions that scientists say will over time reduce the risk of climate catastrophe.

The New York Times - Science

The temperature record showed a steady decrease in the frequency of the cold years that led to extensive sea-ice formation along the Antarctic Peninsula, which occurs when the mean annual air temperature falls below 24 degrees Fahrenheit.

The New Yorker

Even long-term incomers go home, and the Observatory reports "a steady decrease in the share coming for more than four years" (27 per cent in 2013).

Independent

A steady decrease in the crystallite size is observed and the quartz phase suffers the most.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Immediately thereafter, an increasing trend was observed until day 62, followed by a steady decrease.

Earth, Planets and Space

Beyond this concentration, there was a steady decrease in the decolourisation of MO.

Applied Water Science

The two soft-soil datasets show relatively close results, with a steady decrease with increasing frequency.

Earth, Planets and Space

The mass and molecular weight of the scaffolds exhibited a steady decrease up to 6 weeks.

Biomaterials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use specific metrics to quantify the "steady decrease" whenever possible to enhance clarity and impact. For example, "a steady decrease of 2% per year".

Common error

Avoid using "a steady decrease" when describing a sudden or rapid drop. "Steady" implies a gradual change, unlike a sharp or abrupt decline.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a steady decrease" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a trend or pattern of continuous reduction. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable nature in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

28%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a steady decrease" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a gradual and consistent reduction. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage across various contexts. Its primary function is to serve as a noun phrase to describe a continuous reduction in something. The phrase is commonly used in scientific, news, and business reporting. For alternatives, consider "a gradual decline" or "a consistent reduction". When using this phrase, ensure you are describing a slow and consistent change rather than a sudden drop.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a gradual decline

Emphasizes the process of decreasing rather than the consistent nature.

a consistent reduction

Focuses on the uniformity of the reduction, similar to "steady" but with a different word.

a continuous drop

Highlights the ongoing nature of the decrease.

a progressive diminution

Uses more formal language to describe the decrease, suggesting a gradual lessening.

a regular lessening

Implies a patterned or predictable decrease.

a constant downtrend

Indicates a prevailing direction toward decrease over time.

a sustained erosion

Suggests a wearing away or diminishing over a period of time.

a persistent weakening

Implies a gradual loss of strength or intensity.

a systematic depletion

Conveys a structured and orderly reduction of something.

a measured contraction

Highlights a controlled and calculated reduction.

FAQs

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

You can use "a steady decrease" to describe a gradual and consistent reduction over time. For example, "The company experienced "a steady decrease" in profits this quarter."

What phrases are similar to "a steady decrease"?

Alternatives include "a gradual decline", "a consistent reduction", or "a continuous drop".

Is it more appropriate to say "steady decrease" or "sharp decline"?

The choice depends on the context. "Steady decrease" implies a gradual change, while "sharp decline" indicates a sudden, rapid drop.

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

"A steady decrease" refers to a consistent reduction, while "a gradual increase" refers to a consistent rise. They represent opposite trends.