decline over time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decline over time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual decrease or reduction in something, such as numbers, quality, or performance, over a specified period. Example: "The company's profits have shown a steady decline over time, prompting management to reevaluate their business strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Routine firms have seen their share decline over time.

Research Policy

Importantly, progression-free and overall survival decline over time.

Clinical Lymphoma Myeloma and Leukemia

Under both conditions performance can decline over time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Tariff rates would then be scheduled to decline over time.

Harvard Business Review

And, on average, their satisfaction with their marriage follows a slow but steady decline over time.

University of California, Berkeley

If so, the frequency of road kill should decline over time.

Current Biology

While the radioactivity levels decline over time, many communities worry about safe oversight.

The New York Times - Science

As returns inevitably decline over time, the herd may turn tail and prompt a price collapse.

The Economist

If and when gay marriages become a reality, opposition to them will presumably decline over time.

The New York Times - Magazine

Equally, returns on property investments could stall or decline over time.

The Guardian - Business

Official projections that this deficit will decline over time aren't based on "credible assumptions".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "decline over time", ensure you specify what is declining and the period over which the decline occurs for clarity. This provides context and makes the statement more informative.

Common error

Avoid using "decline over time" without providing specific context or data. For example, instead of saying "Quality declined over time", specify what aspects of quality declined and provide a timeframe.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decline over time" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a process of gradual reduction or deterioration. It's used to describe how something diminishes or worsens across a span of time. Ludwig provides numerous examples across various disciplines.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

37%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decline over time" is a versatile expression used to describe a gradual decrease or reduction in something over a period. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various domains like Science, News & Media, and Academia. Alternatives such as "fall over time" or "reduction over time" can be used depending on the specific context. When using the phrase, it's essential to provide specific context to avoid overgeneralizations and ensure clarity. In conclusion, "decline over time" is a useful and common phrase for indicating negative trends or diminishing quantities across a specified duration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fall over time

This alternative uses "fall" instead of "decline", suggesting a similar downward trend.

reduction over time

This alternative replaces "decline" with "reduction", focusing on the diminishing aspect.

decrease over time

This uses the more common synonym "decrease" for "decline", maintaining the same structure.

diminution over time

Using "diminution" provides a more formal synonym for "decline", emphasizing a gradual decrease.

lessen over time

Simple and direct synonym for reducing gradually.

deteriorate over time

This suggests a worsening condition rather than just a decrease in quantity.

wane over time

This conveys a gradual fading or diminishing of something.

fade over time

Similar to "wane", this suggests a gradual loss of strength or visibility.

regress over time

This implies a return to a previous, typically worse, state.

ebb over time

Evokes a sense of receding or diminishing, often used for abstract concepts.

FAQs

What does "decline over time" mean?

"Decline over time" refers to a gradual decrease or reduction in something over a period. This can apply to various contexts, such as quality, quantity, or performance.

What can I say instead of "decline over time"?

You can use alternatives like "fall over time", "reduction over time", or "decrease over time" depending on the specific context.

Is "decline over time" formal or informal?

"Decline over time" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's a neutral phrase commonly used in various types of writing and conversation.

How can I use "decline over time" in a sentence?

You can use "decline over time" to describe a trend or change, such as: "The company's profits showed a "decline over time" due to increased competition."