beginning to deteriorate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "beginning to deteriorate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is starting to decline in quality, condition, or health. Example: "The old building is beginning to deteriorate, with cracks appearing in the walls and the roof sagging."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

And the prison is beginning to deteriorate.

The New York Times

By 1958, Mr. Kennan said, relations between the Soviet Union and the Chinese were beginning to deteriorate.

The New York Times

More than five years ago, keepers of the documents began noticing subtle changes in the old, bronze-framed enclosures, which hinted that the glass was beginning to deteriorate.

The New York Times - Science

The only bad portions are where the gravel base was not installed correctly, and there are a few small areas that are beginning to deteriorate.

The Washington Post

"Back at the time, I said that a third one should only happen if we were telling a story about having moved into a different generation when we were all beginning to deteriorate a little bit.

Independent

One of these hasn't been visited for many years and is beginning to deteriorate rapidly, but the others receive regular visits and have all been, or are being, renovated.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

However, he began to deteriorate.

The Guardian - Tech

Then he began to deteriorate.

The New York Times - Magazine

Then things begin to deteriorate.

The New York Times

Danielle's health began to deteriorate rapidly.

The Guardian

Lagat's form began to deteriorate.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add impact, follow "beginning to deteriorate" with a specific consequence or symptom of the decline. For example, "The old bridge is beginning to deteriorate, causing longer commute times."

Common error

Avoid using "beginning to deteriorate" for sudden or abrupt changes. The phrase implies a gradual process, not an immediate event. For instance, instead of "The market began to deteriorate after the crash", consider "The market crashed" or "The market began a steep decline".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beginning to deteriorate" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of a process of decline or degradation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is valid in written English. It commonly acts as a predicate, describing the state of a subject.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "beginning to deteriorate" effectively communicates the onset of a decline in condition, quality, or functionality. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and appropriate for use in various contexts, ranging from news reports to scientific articles. While not extremely common, the phrase is widely understood. Alternatives like "starting to decline" or "beginning to fail" can be used for variety, as well as starting to degrade if the context is appropriate. When writing, reserve the use of "beginning to deteriorate" to gradual processes instead of immediate events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

starting to decline

Focuses on the initial stage of a downward trend or reduction in quality.

beginning to decline

Similar to "starting to decline", but with a nuance of gradual descent.

starting to fail

Emphasizes the initiation of a breakdown or inability to function properly.

starting to degrade

Highlights the commencement of a process of lessening in quality or value.

beginning to wane

Implies a decrease in strength, intensity, or power.

starting to crumble

Suggests a slow disintegration or collapse.

beginning to weaken

Focuses on the gradual loss of strength or stability.

starting to erode

Emphasizes the gradual wearing away or destruction of something.

starting to degenerate

Implies a decline in quality or moral character.

beginning to fade

Suggests a loss of color, brightness, or distinctness.

FAQs

What does "beginning to deteriorate" mean?

The phrase "beginning to deteriorate" means something is starting to decline in quality, condition, or function. It suggests an initial stage of decay or weakening.

How can I use "beginning to deteriorate" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a range of subjects, such as "The building is beginning to deteriorate" or "His health is beginning to deteriorate."

What are some alternatives to "beginning to deteriorate"?

Alternatives include "starting to decline", "beginning to fail", or "starting to degrade", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "starting to deteriorate" instead of "beginning to deteriorate"?

Yes, "starting to deteriorate" is a perfectly acceptable and nearly synonymous alternative to "beginning to deteriorate". The choice often comes down to stylistic preference.