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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
decline achieving
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "decline achieving" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express a decrease in success or progress, but the wording is awkward and unclear. Example: "The company has seen a decline in achieving its sales targets over the past year."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(3)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
In addition, for a population of patients who, without treatment, display continuous decline, achieving any improvement or temporary stability on the ADAS-cog and other assessments may represent a significant therapeutic benefit.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
"I have watched for some time the declining quality of the Labour Party's leadership but had not expected the calamitous decline achieved in 2015.
News & Media
He writes to Corbyn: "I have watched for some time the declining quality of the Labour party's leadership, but had not expected the calamitous decline achieved in 2015.
News & Media
In particular, the city lawyers wanted Smith to testify about his view that the stop-and-frisk policy was an important factor in what they termed "the historic crime decline achieved by New York City".
News & Media
However, the rates of decline were different with the least decline achieved from high N application with stubble retention.
Science
There was a fairly even distribution of degree of CA19-9 decline achieved at any point during therapy compared with baseline when broken down by degree of decline (0 25, 26 50, 51 75, and 76 100% decline) (Table 2).
Science
Subjects were placed in different categories based on their level of biomarker decline achieved at any point throughout the course of treatment (0 25% decline, 26 50% decline, 51 75% decline, and 76 100% decline, as well as no decline) and by absolute threshold (greater than or less than 25% decline, 50% decline, and 75% decline).
Science
While it used to sell 80,000+, its sale has since declined steadily, achieving just 38,787 last month.
News & Media
At the same time Britpop began to decline, Radiohead achieved critical acclaim with its third album OK Computer (1997), and its follow-ups Kid A (2000) and Amnesiac (2001), which were in marked contrast with the traditionalism of Britpop.
Wiki
The decline was achieved by increasing withdrawals of gas from the storage reservoir, which reduced the pressure that is pushing the gas up the well and leaking out, the gas company said.
News & Media
If plasma glucose does not decrease by 50 75 mg from the initial value in the first hour, the insulin infusion should be increased every hour until a steady glucose decline is achieved (Fig. 2).
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Instead of using the awkward phrase "decline achieving", opt for more direct and grammatically sound alternatives such as "failure to achieve" or "decrease in success" to clearly convey the intended meaning.
Common error
Do not combine "decline" directly with a gerund like "achieving". This construction is grammatically unusual. Instead, rephrase to use "decline" as a noun (e.g., "a decline in achievement") or choose a different verb altogether.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
2.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "decline achieving" functions as a noun modifier attempting to describe a decrease related to the process of achieving something. Ludwig AI identifies this phrase as grammatically incorrect.
Frequent in
Science
45%
News & Media
45%
Formal & Business
10%
Less common in
Wiki
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "decline achieving" is grammatically incorrect and lacks clarity in written English. Ludwig AI flags it as non-standard. While the phrase appears in a few sources, including some news and scientific publications, it is not recommended for formal or professional use. More appropriate alternatives include "failure to achieve", "decrease in success", or "setback in attainment", which more clearly convey the intended meaning of a reduction in successful outcomes.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
failure to achieve
Replaces "decline" with a direct statement of failure, shifting the focus from a gradual decrease to an outright lack of accomplishment.
setback in attainment
Substitutes both words to convey a temporary impediment to reaching a goal.
reduced accomplishment
Emphasizes that the level of achievement has decreased.
decrease in success
Uses more common terms to describe a reduction in positive outcomes.
drop in attainment
Indicates a sudden fall in the level of achievement.
downward trend in performance
Focuses on performance metrics and their negative progression.
regression in progress
Highlights a return to a less developed state.
lack of progress
Emphasizes the absence of forward movement.
impeded achievement
Indicates that something is blocking the ability to achieve.
hindered success
Similar to impeded achievement, but focusing on the success aspect.
FAQs
What is a better way to say "decline achieving"?
More grammatically correct alternatives include "failure to achieve", "decrease in success", or "setback in attainment". The best choice depends on the specific context.
How can I use the word "decline" correctly when talking about accomplishments?
Use "decline" as a noun. For example, say "There has been a "decline in performance"" rather than "decline performing".
Is "decline achieving" grammatically correct?
No, "decline achieving" is not grammatically correct. It's an awkward phrasing that doesn't follow standard English grammar rules.
What does "decline achieving" try to express?
The phrase likely attempts to describe a situation where there's a decrease in the ability to reach a goal or a reduction in successful outcomes. However, the wording is not standard and should be avoided.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
2.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested