declines

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "declines" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a decrease or refusal in response to an offer, invitation, or request. Example: "She declines the invitation to the party, citing prior commitments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With gold stabilising after its recent declines - which were based on worries about countries such as Cyprus selling some of their reserves along with signs of slowdown in China - and base metals such as copper recovering, mining shares regained some lost ground.

The Guardian - Business

When insurer RSA agrees to pay scandalous underwriting fees of £25m on a zero-risk rights issue, make it a better offer; if its board declines, embarrass it by going public.

The Guardian - Business

Lover of sport" Followers: 61,663 (in three hours) Sample tweet: Tone: Congeniality personified in three languages Bio: Ancelotti declines to define himself in a few lines and instead links to his official website, which sets out his achievements in some detail.

The Guardian - Sport

"We're encouraged that the latest NRS figures show that the Guardian is the only national newspaper to have grown its paper readership over the past year – up 3 per cent against declines in the quality market of between 8 and 15 per cent.

The Guardian

A combination of softness in the economy and reductions in MGNREGA expenditures (declines of 3 and 36% in the last two years) have played a key role.

The Guardian

"Extremely windy days declined substantially during the last 40 years with significant declines in about 60% in the urban areas," said the authors, who defined heatwaves as periods of at least six days where the daily maximum temperature was hotter than 99% of days since 1973.

The Guardian

We have lowered our estimates [2014/15/16 estimates cut by 12% /5% /3%espectively] to respectivelyweaker guidance given, and our target price declines to 1,150p (from 1,200p).

The Guardian - Business

The government has said the GIB won't be allowed to borrow until national debt declines as a percentage of GDP– a constraint which may not be met until 2017.

The Guardian

While this is also true for magazine publishers, the report shows dramatic declines in the readership of printed publications.

The Guardian

Beckett's original article highlights the dramatic loss of revenue for councils in the north-east as a result of austerity-led declines in redistributive transfers from Westminster.

The Guardian

His father, whom he declines to name ("I don't want him to get anything out of my name") was with the family until Newman was six, "then did a runner.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing trends, use "declines" to refer to multiple instances of decrease or downturn, especially in data or statistics. For example: "The report indicated significant "declines" in sales across all sectors."

Common error

Ensure you use "declines" in plural contexts when referring to multiple instances of decrease or downturn. Using the singular form "decline" may be grammatically incorrect when describing several separate instances. For instance, say 'There were several "declines" in the market', not 'There was several decline in the market'.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "declines" is as a plural noun, typically referring to multiple instances of reduction, decrease, or downturn. It is also used as the third-person singular present tense form of the verb "decline", meaning to refuse or diminish. The Ludwig AI tool confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "declines" functions primarily as a plural noun and a verb, denoting multiple instances of decrease or refusal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific reporting. Analysis reveals that "declines" carries a neutral tone, making it appropriate for both formal and informal settings. When writing, ensure the plural form is used when referring to multiple instances, and avoid confusion with the singular form "decline". Related terms such as "reductions" and "downturns" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Reductions

Focuses specifically on the act of making something smaller in quantity or size.

Decreases

Emphasizes a lowering in amount, number, or degree.

Downswings

Refers to a downward trend, especially in economic terms.

Downturns

Similar to downswings, but can apply to various situations beyond economics.

Contractions

Highlights a process of becoming smaller or more compressed.

Setbacks

Indicates temporary impediments or regressions in progress.

Rejections

Focuses on the act of refusing or denying something offered.

Refusals

Similar to rejections, but may carry a stronger connotation of unwillingness.

Dwindling

Suggests a gradual reduction in size or amount.

Diminishments

Emphasizes the act of making something less significant or smaller.

FAQs

How do I use "declines" in a sentence?

You can use "declines" to refer to multiple instances of decrease or downturn. For example: "The company reported significant "declines" in revenue this quarter."

What are some alternatives to the word "declines"?

Alternatives include "reductions", "decreases", or "downturns", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct: "decline" or "declines"?

"Decline" is singular and refers to a single instance, while "declines" is plural and refers to multiple instances. Use "declines" when referring to more than one downturn or decrease.

What's the difference between "declines" and "rejections"?

"Declines" typically refer to decreases or downturns, while "rejections" refer to the act of refusing or denying something. For example, "sales declines" versus "application rejections".