The phrase "a way of declining" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing methods or approaches to refuse or reject something, such as an invitation or offer.
Example: "She found a polite way of declining the invitation without hurting their feelings."
Alternatives: "a method of refusal" or "a means of saying no".
Being direct and honest is often a more respectful way of declining advances.
"I'll just get in trouble," Mr. Gingrich said sheepishly Tuesday night at a pizza place in Decorah, by way of declining (at first) to answer a man's question about why his fellow Republicans always embrace Keynesian economic principles.
Deutsche Telekom, like other carriers that have moved into areas like TV services, are committed to creating more online content and monetizing it as a way of offsetting declines in more traditional lines of business like voice services.
Moreover, its appeal as a way of life has declined.
Avicenna has, however, more consistently courteous ways of declining to follow Alfarabi.
And when the FA, under pressure in its 150th year to come up with a way of reversing the decline in the numbers playing adult 11-a-side football, reveals that 84% of those who play the sport cite 'poor facilities' as their greatest single concern.
If Parr returned to Hebden now with an interest in documenting a way of life in decline what would be the result?
As a way of monitoring the decline, my hospital in London - the Royal Free in Hampstead - asked me to measure the amount I produce.
And some unions have recalculated their interests: now they see new legal immigrants (and legalization of those already here illegally) not so much as a threat to their incumbent members but as potential recruits, a way of reversing union decline.
In the mid-1980s many institutional investors adopted "portfolio insurance", a way of hedging against market declines.
