are decreasing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are decreasing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a decline or reduction in quantity, number, or intensity over time. Example: "The temperatures in the region are decreasing as winter approaches."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Well, your chances are decreasing.

The Guardian - Travel

"Liberals are decreasing in numbers," he said.

The New York Times

In New York, too, cases are decreasing, not increasing.

The New York Times

In fact unemployment rates are decreasing in Iran.

The New York Times

Both are decreasing at the same rate, Dr. Hardy said.

The New York Times

If the heights are decreasing, it means the ice layers are getting thinner.

The Guardian

I expected to see a burgeoning explosion; instead, it showed the numbers are decreasing.

The New York Times

"The forecast is that our margins and profits are decreasing substantially this year.

The Guardian - Business

Unfortunately, some of the most important mice predators -- snakes -- are decreasing.

The New York Times

Evidence: Numbers of lion-tailed macaques are decreasing rapidly due to forest fragmentation.

The Guardian

"I'm scared about the opportunities that are decreasing all the time for my generation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are decreasing", ensure the subject is clearly defined. For example, specify "sales are decreasing" rather than just stating "things are decreasing".

Common error

Avoid using "are decreasing" with singular nouns. Instead, use "is decreasing". For example, it should be "the number is decreasing", not "the number are decreasing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are decreasing" functions as a verb phrase indicating a continuous action of becoming smaller or fewer. It is used to describe trends, changes, or reductions over time, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are decreasing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase to describe a continuous decline. According to Ludwig, it is considered correct and is versatile enough for use in various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. When employing this phrase, ensure the subject aligns in number and the intended meaning is a continuous process rather than a completed action. Related phrases like ""are declining"" or ""are diminishing"" offer similar semantic value. Keep in mind its suitability for neutral registers. By avoiding common errors like misuse with singular nouns, you can effectively communicate a reduction or decline in a clear and accurate manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are declining

Direct synonym indicating a gradual reduction.

are diminishing

Suggests a gradual fading or lessening.

are dwindling

Implies a reduction to a very small amount.

are lessening

Indicates a decrease in intensity or degree.

are reducing

Focuses on the action of making something smaller.

are falling

A simple and direct way to express a decrease in number or amount.

are shrinking

Suggests a reduction in size or scope.

are eroding

Implies a gradual wearing away or decline.

are contracting

Suggests a decrease in size or volume, often used in economic contexts.

are abating

Indicates a decrease in intensity or severity.

FAQs

How can I use "are decreasing" in a sentence?

You can use "are decreasing" to describe a situation where something is becoming smaller or fewer. For example, "The number of students attending the class "are decreasing" each week".

What is a good alternative to "are decreasing"?

Alternatives to "are decreasing" include "are declining", "are diminishing", or "are reducing". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Which is correct, "the sales are decreasing" or "the sales is decreasing"?

"The sales "are decreasing"" is correct. "Sales" is a plural noun, so it requires the plural verb form "are".

What's the difference between "are decreasing" and "are reduced"?

"Are decreasing" implies a continuous process of reduction, while "are reduced" suggests a completed action. For instance, "prices are decreasing" means prices are currently in the process of going down, whereas "prices are reduced" implies the prices have already been lowered.