consistent decline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "consistent decline" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a steady or ongoing decrease in a particular metric or situation over time. Example: "The company has experienced a consistent decline in sales over the past three quarters."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yes, said Agrawal: "The consistent decline at the overwintering sites in Mexico is cause for concern.

Cornell University

But they may help explain the small but consistent decline in the proportion of boys born in industrialized countries over the last 40 years.

The New York Times

But managers are portrayed as ignoring the consistent decline in Napster's potential and fortunes -- and, in turn, as failing to find potentially viable solutions.

The New York Times

"We literally had had a year and a half of consistent decline in lodging demand," Mr. Woodworth said.

The New York Times

The Giants' offense peaked in Week 5 against Cleveland and has been in a relatively consistent decline since.

The New York Times

We segmented annual decline-related disturbance rates to distinguish between newly impacted areas and areas undergoing gradual but consistent decline over multiple years.

Forest Ecology and Management

"I would put it at a little less than 5 percent, and it appears to be in a consistent decline," he said.

The New York Times

He looked at hundreds of papers and forty-four meta-analyses (that is, statistical syntheses of related studies), and discovered a consistent decline effect over time, as many of the theories seemed to fade into irrelevance.

The New Yorker

Thousands of acres of Florida orange groves have already been sold to developers or converted to other crops, and USDA data suggests that the consistent decline in OJ consumption across multiple demographics is more than a short-term tendency.

The Washington Post

Our results indicate an increase in inundated area and the number of persons affected contrasted by a consistent decline in flood fatalities for the period 1870 2016, with no significant trend in (normalized) financial losses.

Nature

A consistent decline in the proteolytic activity of the proteasome has been demonstrated with advancing age, implicating an important role for the proteasome in immune senescence, by studies that largely employed proteasome-enriched preparations from cell lysates.

The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a trend, use "consistent decline" to clearly indicate a steady and continuous decrease over a period.

Common error

Avoid mistaking temporary dips for a "consistent decline". Ensure the decrease is sustained over a considerable timeframe before using this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "consistent decline" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb or after a preposition. Ludwig examples show its usage to describe a reduction in a quantifiable metric over time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "consistent decline" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a continuous decrease over time, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's used across various fields, with a high prevalence in scientific and news reporting. When using this phrase, ensure the decline is sustained and not merely a short-term fluctuation. Alternatives include "steady decrease" or "gradual reduction" for subtle variations in meaning. Remember to consider the context and audience to ensure the phrase aligns with your overall message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

steady decrease

Replaces "consistent" with "steady", emphasizing a regular and predictable reduction.

gradual reduction

Substitutes "decline" with "reduction" and "consistent" with "gradual", highlighting the slowness of the process.

continuous drop

Uses "drop" instead of "decline", suggesting a more abrupt but still ongoing decrease.

ongoing decrease

Emphasizes the uninterrupted nature of the decrease.

persistent downturn

Replaces "decline" with "downturn", often used in economic contexts, and "consistent" with "persistent", signaling a stubborn and unchanging downward trend.

unremitting decline

Uses "unremitting" to emphasize the relentless and continuous nature of the decline.

sustained decrease

Uses "sustained" to highlight the prolonged nature of the decrease.

chronic deterioration

Substitutes "decline" with "deterioration", implying a worsening condition over time, and "consistent" with "chronic", indicating a long-lasting issue.

incessant dwindling

Uses "dwindling" instead of "decline", suggesting a reduction in size or amount, and "incessant" in place of "consistent", signaling the lack of interruption.

regular depreciation

Emphasizes the predictable nature of the decline, often used in financial contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "consistent decline" in a sentence?

You can use "consistent decline" to describe a gradual and continuous decrease in something over time. For example, "The company has experienced a "consistent decline" in profits this year".

What are some alternatives to saying "consistent decline"?

You can use alternatives like "steady decrease", "gradual reduction", or "continuous drop" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "consistent decline" in formal writing?

Yes, "consistent decline" is appropriate for formal writing, as it is a clear and professional way to describe a steady decrease. However, consider the specific audience and context to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

What factors might cause a "consistent decline" in a particular area?

Factors causing a "consistent decline" vary depending on the context. They could include economic downturns, changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, or environmental changes.