began to decline

USAGE SUMMARY

"began to decline" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
Example: The company's profits began to decline after the implementation of the new policy.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Naturally, seal numbers began to decline.

The New Yorker

Glover's DVD profits began to decline.

The New Yorker

Meanwhile, Red Delicious began to decline.

The New Yorker

Downtown began to decline by the 1960s.

The New York Times - Arts

Drunken driving deaths began to decline.

The New York Times

His business began to decline.

The New York Times - Magazine

But then things began to decline.

The New York Times - Sports

"In 1980 it began to decline.

The New York Times - Arts

Indeed, Mumbai's vulture population began to decline well before 1993.

The New York Times

From there, however, Rino's stock price began to decline.

The New York Times

Aachen began to decline in the 16th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing trends, use "began to decline" to indicate the starting point of a downward trajectory. Ensure clarity by specifying what "began to decline" and the timeframe involved.

Common error

Avoid using "began to decline" without providing sufficient context. Clearly identify what is declining and, if possible, the reasons behind the decline to provide a more informative and insightful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "began to decline" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of a decrease or deterioration. According to Ludwig, the expression is grammatically correct and widely employed in diverse writing contexts. This usage aligns with examples where it describes the start of a downward trend in various scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "began to decline" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that indicates the start of a downward trend or deterioration. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, with a neutral register. It is commonly found in news, media, and scientific sources. When using the phrase, it's important to provide clear context about what is declining and any contributing factors. Alternative phrases, like "started to decrease" or "commenced to diminish", can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

started to decrease

Focuses on the commencement of a reduction in quantity or size.

began its descent

Implies a downward movement, often used metaphorically.

commenced to diminish

Uses more formal language to indicate the beginning of a reduction.

started to weaken

Focuses on a loss of strength or power.

initiated a downturn

Highlights the start of an economic or cyclical decline.

entered a phase of decay

Suggests a gradual deterioration over time.

entered a period of recession

Specifically indicates the start of an economic recession.

initiated its collapse

Highlights the start of a sudden and complete failure.

saw the dawn of its downfall

Emphasizes the beginning of a complete failure or ruin.

started its regression

Indicates a return to a previous, less developed state.

FAQs

What does "began to decline" mean?

The phrase "began to decline" indicates the starting point of a decrease or deterioration in something, such as profits, health, or popularity.

What are some synonyms for "began to decline"?

Alternatives include "started to decrease", "commenced to diminish", or "initiated a downturn", depending on the context.

How can I use "began to decline" in a sentence?

For example, "After several years of growth, the company's profits "began to decline" due to increased competition".

Is "began to decline" formal or informal?

The phrase "began to decline" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it versatile for various types of writing and speech.