decline slightly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decline slightly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a small decrease in quantity, quality, or intensity. Example: "The sales figures for the last quarter show that profits will decline slightly compared to the previous year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The shares continued to decline slightly in after-hours trading.

The New York Times - Tech

Nominal government investment is also expected to decline slightly as a share of GDP.

The Guardian

Yahoo said its sales and pro forma profits would decline slightly in the third quarter.

The New York Times

The budget office said that total federal spending would decline slightly this year, by $40 billion.

The New York Times

These days everyone is becoming more tolerant, though social acceptance does decline slightly with age.

The Economist

The new White House report also includes these predictions: Total federal revenues will decline slightly from 2007 to 2008.

The New York Times

[C3.] Stock Indicators Decline Slightly The Dow Jones industrial average closed down 2.06 points, at 10,377.52.

The New York Times

After peaking this year, annual production will decline slightly in 2002 and 2003 before turning around in 2004.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, both the national unemployment rate and weekly unemployment claims decline slightly as private employment and online job demand rise.

The New York Times

Merck said yesterday that it planned to hold research spending steady in 2005 even though its profits would decline slightly because of the Vioxx recall.

The New York Times

Economists had expected housing starts to decline slightly in the face of dwindling demand and competition from a flood of foreclosed properties.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "decline slightly" with a specific numerical value or percentage when possible to provide a more precise understanding of the decrease.

Common error

Avoid using "decline slightly" when the actual decrease is substantial or has significant consequences. This can mislead the reader and undermine the credibility of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decline slightly" functions as a modifier, typically used to qualify a verb or noun. It indicates a small reduction or decrease in something, adding a nuance of moderation. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "decline slightly" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a minor reduction. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it effectively communicates a small decrease without implying a significant drop. Its use is prevalent in news, science and business contexts, lending a neutral to professional tone. While alternatives exist, "decline slightly" is a reliable choice for conveying modest reductions accurately. Remember to provide context to make the magnitude clear and prevent overstating the significance of the decline.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Decrease a bit

Emphasizes a small decrease.

Drop a little

Suggests a minor and often sudden reduction.

Diminish marginally

Indicates a slight reduction in size or importance.

Recede gently

Implies a gradual and subtle decline.

Weaken imperceptibly

Focuses on the almost unnoticeable nature of the decline.

Subside marginally

Suggests a slight decrease in intensity or activity.

Lessen minimally

Highlights the minimal extent of the reduction.

Ebb gradually

Conveys a slow and steady decline.

Slump subtly

Indicates a slight and often unexpected decline.

Fade incrementally

Emphasizes the gradual and incremental nature of the decline.

FAQs

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

You can use "decline slightly" to describe a small decrease in something. For example: "The company's profits are expected to "decline slightly" this quarter."

What are some alternatives to "decline slightly"?

Alternatives include "decrease a bit", "drop a little", or "diminish marginally". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it better to say "decline slightly" or "decrease slightly"?

"Decline slightly" and "decrease slightly" are largely interchangeable. "Decline" can sometimes imply a more gradual or less abrupt change than "decrease", but the difference is often minimal.

What's the difference between "decline slightly" and "fall sharply"?

"Decline slightly" indicates a small reduction, while "fall sharply" suggests a significant and rapid decrease. The choice depends on the magnitude of the change you're describing.