begin to decline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begin to decline" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the start of a decrease or deterioration in something, such as health, quality, or numbers. Example: "After several years of steady growth, the company's profits began to decline due to increased competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

After that, his chances begin to decline.

The New York Times

Educational attainment is plateauing and may begin to decline.

The Economist

Such wines eventually reach their peak and with further aging begin to decline.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Suburbs, which swelled with the baby-boomers, may begin to decline.

The Economist

The decrease in permits may suggest that housing starts may begin to decline.

The New York Times

Once copper beeches begin to decline, usually at about a century, they are almost irretrievable.

The New York Times

When I asked him about when violence would begin to decline, he became frustrated.

The New York Times - Magazine

He turns 30 next year, the traditional point at which N.F.L. running backs begin to decline.

The New York Times

Fertility rates gradually begin to decline around age 32 and then rapidly after age 37.

The Guardian - Opinion

On the whole, the emissions steadily increase from age 10 to around 60 and then abruptly begin to decline.

The New York Times

And as the economy improves, it is likely that labor force participation among older workers will finally begin to decline.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "begin to decline", ensure the context clearly indicates what is starting to decrease. This adds precision and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "begin to decline" with other verbs that already imply a decrease. For instance, instead of saying "it started to begin to decline", simply say "it started to decline" or "it began to decline".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begin to decline" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of a downward trend or decrease. It is often used to describe the initial stages of deterioration, reduction, or weakening. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "begin to decline" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate the commencement of a decrease or deterioration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and versatile, appearing across diverse fields like news, science, and encyclopedias. While similar phrases exist, each carries slightly different nuances, impacting the precision of the statement. When employing "begin to decline", clarity of context is crucial to avoid ambiguity and ensure effective communication. Overusing the verb or combining it with redundant verbs, should be avoided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start to diminish

Emphasizes a gradual reduction in size, importance, or quality.

commence to decrease

Highlights the initiation of a reduction in quantity or degree.

initiate a downturn

Specifically refers to the beginning of a negative trend, often in economic contexts.

enter a period of decay

Suggests a more significant and potentially irreversible decline, implying deterioration.

show early signs of weakening

Focuses on the visible indications that something is losing strength or effectiveness.

start to wane

Indicates a gradual decrease in power, intensity, or influence.

become less

Is a simplification of the query, directly referencing the subject becoming of lesser value or quantity.

start to regress

Implies a return to a former or less developed state.

show a downward trend

More suitable for technical analysis or statistical references where declines are plotted or monitored.

start to fade

More appropriate for situations involving gradual disappearance, such as memories or colors.

FAQs

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

You can use "begin to decline" to describe the start of a decrease or deterioration in something. For example, "The company's profits "begin to decline" due to increased competition" or "His health "began to decline" after the accident".

What are some alternatives to "begin to decline"?

Some alternatives include "start to diminish", "commence to decrease", or "initiate a downturn", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "begin to decline" or "start to decline"?

Both "begin to decline" and "start to decline" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations. In most contexts, they are interchangeable.

What's the difference between "begin to decline" and "decline"?

"Decline" refers to the general process of decreasing or deteriorating, while "begin to decline" specifically indicates the start of that process. Using ""begin to decline"" emphasizes the initial stage of the decrease.