declined slightly

USAGE SUMMARY

"declined slightly" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the action of something gradually decreasing in amount or degree. For example: "The stock prices of companies in the tech industry declined slightly last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Financial stocks declined slightly.

The New York Times

Utility stocks declined slightly.

The New York Times

Production declined slightly.

The New York Times

Office vacancy rates declined slightly.

The New York Times

Information technology and telecommunications stocks declined slightly.

The New York Times

Shares declined slightly in after-hours trading.

The New York Times

August new home sales declined slightly.

The New York Times

Spending on dental services declined slightly.

The New York Times - Health

Organic milk prices declined slightly last year.

The New York Times

Consumer confidence and manufacturing declined slightly.

The New York Times

Yale's growth was modest, while Cornell numbers declined slightly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "declined slightly", ensure the context provides a clear reference point for the decline, such as a previous measurement or expected value. This helps the reader understand the significance of the small decrease.

Common error

Avoid using "declined slightly" when the actual decrease is negligible or within a margin of error. Using it in such cases can mislead the reader into thinking there was a meaningful change when there wasn't.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "declined slightly" functions as a verb phrase that modifies a subject by indicating a minor reduction or decrease. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable grammatical standing. Examples show its use across diverse subjects, from stock prices to production levels.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

32%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "declined slightly" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a minor reduction. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically sound and widely applicable. It is frequently used in news, scientific, and academic writing, as reflected in the source analysis. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly establishes the reference point for the decline, and avoid exaggerating its significance. Alternatives like "decreased marginally" or "fell slightly" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decreased marginally

Uses "marginally" to emphasize a very small decrease.

reduced marginally

Synonymous with "decreased marginally", focusing on the action of reducing.

diminished slightly

"Diminished" implies a gradual reduction in size, importance, or intensity.

lessened slightly

Focuses on the reduction in intensity or degree.

fell slightly

A more direct and simple way to express a small drop.

eased slightly

Suggests a gentle or gradual decrease.

contracted marginally

Often used in economic contexts to describe a slight shrinking.

slipped a bit

Informal, suggesting a minor and often unnoticed decline.

retreated marginally

Implies a withdrawal or pullback, used more figuratively.

moderately decreased

Replaces "slightly" with "moderately" to suggest a somewhat larger decline.

FAQs

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

You can use "declined slightly" to describe a minor decrease. For example, "The company's profits "declined slightly" this quarter due to increased operating costs."

What are some alternatives to "declined slightly"?

Alternatives include "decreased marginally", "fell slightly", or "diminished slightly". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it appropriate to use "declined slightly" in formal writing?

Yes, "declined slightly" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in reports, analyses, and academic papers, as it provides a precise and neutral way to describe a minor decrease.

What's the difference between "declined slightly" and "declined significantly"?

"Declined slightly" indicates a small, often not very important decrease, while "declined significantly" implies a large and noteworthy decrease. The choice depends on the magnitude of the change being described.