decline substantially

USAGE SUMMARY

"decline substantially" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to decrease significantly or noticeably. Example: The stock market saw a decline substantially after the company's CEO announced his resignation. In this sentence, "decline substantially" is used to describe the significant decrease in the stock market following the announcement of the CEO's resignation.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For example, the study found that after a substantial price increase in the summer of 2000, household electricity consumption decline substantially over the 60 days, approximately 12 to 13% on average.

Chemistry Central Journal

But mortgage rates may not decline substantially from here.

The New York Times

Officials conceded that the costs of the war would probably not decline substantially any time soon.

The New York Times

BenQ, Taiwan's biggest mobile phone maker, forecast its fourth-quarter loss would decline substantially.

The New York Times

At summer harvest temperatures, quality can decline substantially in as little as an hour.

Cornell University

Given all that, its cash will "decline substantially" during the rest of the year.

The New York Times

Newly credentialed cosmetologists' incomes appear to decline substantially regardless of what kind of school they attend.

The Washington Post

Overall, the cost of the Afghan war will not decline substantially this year.

The Washington Post

Those revenues will likely decline substantially, but in 2012 they will still be 27percentt of projected M.T.A. expenses.

The New York Times

The regional exception to this trend was Europe, where suitability in temperate dryland portions will decline substantially.

Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Dairy consumption declines substantially during young adulthood.

Journal of the American Dietetic Association

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "decline substantially" to emphasize a significant decrease rather than a minor fluctuation. This phrase adds weight to the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "decline substantially" when a slight decrease is intended. Opt for phrases like "decrease slightly" or "diminish marginally" to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decline substantially" functions as a modifier, typically used to describe the extent of a decrease or reduction. Ludwig AI confirms its standard usage in various contexts, as exemplified by the numerous examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "decline substantially" is a versatile phrase used to denote a significant reduction across various contexts. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, scientific literature, and formal business communications. While alternatives like "decrease significantly" and "drop sharply" exist, "decline substantially" is particularly effective when you want to emphasize the magnitude and importance of the decrease. Pay attention to the magnitude of the decrease; use "decline substantially" only when there is a significant amount of reduction, and use more subtle alternatives like "decline slightly" if there is only a minor reduction. The phrase is appropriate for neutral and formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Decrease significantly

Emphasizes the extent of the reduction in a more direct way.

Diminish considerably

Highlights the appreciable amount of reduction.

Drop sharply

Conveys a sudden and rapid decrease.

Fall significantly

A general term indicating a notable decrease.

Reduce markedly

Stresses the clear and noticeable nature of the reduction.

Lessen substantially

Focuses on the reduction in quantity or degree.

Weaken considerably

Suggests a reduction in strength or effectiveness.

Contract significantly

Often used in economic contexts to indicate a reduction in size or scope.

Recede noticeably

Indicates a decrease from a previous high point or level.

Plummet drastically

Conveys a severe and rapid fall.

FAQs

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

You can use "decline substantially" to describe a significant decrease, as in, "The company's profits "decline substantially" due to increased competition".

What are some alternatives to "decline substantially"?

Alternatives include phrases like "decrease significantly", "diminish considerably", or "drop sharply", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is it more appropriate to say "decline substantially" or "decline slightly"?

The choice depends on the magnitude of the decrease. Use "decline substantially" for significant reductions and "decline slightly" for minor changes. The phrase "decline slightly" implies a smaller reduction.

What's the difference between "decline substantially" and "fall substantially"?

Both phrases indicate a significant decrease, but "fall substantially" often implies a more sudden or rapid reduction, while "decline substantially" can refer to a more gradual decrease. The phrase "fall substantially" can also refer to things that aren't measured numerically.