as a backsliding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a backsliding" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to describe someone who is regressing or falling back into previous negative behaviors, but it lacks proper context and grammatical structure. Example: "He was seen as a backsliding member of the community after he returned to his old habits."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

When Yeltsin falls — whether via resignation or by a coup d'tat — his successor will have to do things that may be seen abroad as a backsliding to communism, but that will be a misconception.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I am not worried about a backslide as much as I am about how we continue the momentum going forward," he added.

The New York Times

Since then, Vladislavic has witnessed a backsliding toward a more racialized and rancorous politics.

The New Yorker

The sermon of a backsliding snake-handler.

Huffington Post

It's best if the move is regarded as a temporary necessity, not a backslide to old family roles.

Huffington Post

Since Lerner's departure, Curitiba has begun a backslide that threatens its status as the singular case of enlightened planning.

The Guardian

But when reported through an e-mail newsletter to more than 500 households, the crimes seemed to represent a backslide into Flatbush's past as a crime-heavy neighborhood.

The New York Times

But corporate wisdom seems to hold that even as it creeps forward, it ought to halt a backslide.

Forbes

As jobs passed Robinson by like express trains at the local station, his reputation withered and his career began a backslide.

The New York Times - Sports

"There are a lot of factors and they converged to create a backslide".

Los Angeles Times

Sin appears then as a kind of backsliding and subjectivism: the individual setting him or herself up as the standard.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a decline or regression, specify the area in which the "backsliding" is occurring to provide context. For example, "a backsliding in democratic norms" is more informative than just "a backsliding".

Common error

Avoid using "as a backsliding" as a direct descriptor of a person or entity. Instead, rephrase to clarify what is experiencing the decline. For instance, instead of "He was seen as a backsliding member," try "He was seen as a member who was backsliding in his commitment."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a backsliding" functions as an incomplete predicate nominative or appositive. Based on Ludwig AI, the phrase is not considered correct in standard written English. More often, "backsliding" itself acts as a noun.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a backsliding" is not considered standard English, and Ludwig AI indicates that it lacks proper grammatical structure. It attempts to describe something in a state of regression or decline. However, it's more effective to use alternatives like "in a state of relapse" or rephrase the sentence for clarity. Despite its rare appearance in sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, the phrase's incorrect usage means that it is better to avoid this construction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a state of relapse

Emphasizes a return to a previous, typically negative, state or behavior.

experiencing a decline

Focuses on the process of something deteriorating or diminishing.

showing signs of regression

Highlights the indication of returning to an earlier, less developed state.

falling back into old habits

Specifically refers to reverting to former behaviors, often negative ones.

slipping into decline

Suggests a gradual and often unnoticed descent into a worse condition.

undergoing a reversal

Indicates a change to an opposite direction or condition.

demonstrating moral decay

Specifically addresses a decline in ethical or moral standards.

suffering skill deterioration

Focuses on the loss or reduction of skills or abilities.

evidence of societal regression

Highlights a decline in societal norms or progress.

becoming less proficient

Indicates a decrease in competence or skill level.

FAQs

How can I use the word "backsliding" correctly in a sentence?

Use "backsliding" to describe a process or instance of regressing to a previous, less desirable state. For example, "The country is experiencing a backsliding in its environmental protections".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "as a backsliding"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "in a state of relapse", "experiencing a decline", or "showing signs of regression".

Is it grammatically correct to say "as a backsliding"?

The phrase "as a backsliding" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's more appropriate to use "backsliding" as a noun or gerund to describe the act of regressing.

What is the difference between "backsliding" and "relapse"?

"Backsliding" generally refers to a more gradual decline or regression, while "relapse" often implies a return to a specific previous condition, such as an addiction. You could also say "falling back into old habits".