declines gradually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "declines gradually" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a slow or incremental decrease in something, such as numbers, quality, or intensity. Example: "The population of the town declines gradually over the years due to the lack of job opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

As selection pressure declines gradually, it would be more natural to expect senescence to be a similar gradual process, happening at all ages with deterioration approximately inverse to selection pressure, i.e. the other concept mentioned above.

Biogerontology

"A number of studies suggest that the quality of sperm declines gradually from the age of 30," says Jayasena.

The Guardian

But then the payout declines gradually, snuffing out the stimulus -- unless there is another big tax cut.

The New York Times

When the receptor is rapidly cooled, its discharge frequency rises steeply and then declines gradually to a lower constant level; on rapid warming, the opposite response occurs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Consider, for example, an investor whose portfolio at age 35 has 78percentt allocated to stocks and 22percenttoto bonds, and that the equity portion declines gradually so that, at age 65, it is just 40percentt.

The New York Times

Thereafter bone mass declines gradually with age; the decline accelerates during the first years after menopause in women, after which the rate of loss slows but nonetheless continues indefinitely.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

"The number of names had been declining gradually".

The New York Times

Civilization may be declining gradually all around them, but they don't mind.

The New York Times

But the decline gradually bottomed out, and in 2010 the population started growing again.

The Guardian

In both funds, Alliance's fees decline gradually as total assets rise above certain levels.

The New York Times

The dollar started to decline gradually from 2002 but the current-account deficit only got bigger.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a gradual decline, ensure the context clearly indicates what is "declining gradually". Provide specific details to enhance understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "declines gradually" when a sharp or rapid decrease is intended. This phrase emphasizes a slow, continuous change, not a sudden drop.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "declines gradually" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating a process of gradual reduction. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to describe a slow and continuous decrease in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "declines gradually" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a slow and continuous decrease. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and appears frequently in scientific and news contexts. While alternatives like "decreases slowly" or "diminishes steadily" exist, "declines gradually" effectively conveys the intended meaning. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what is decreasing and that a slow, continuous change is indeed what you wish to describe. Be mindful not to use it when a more abrupt or rapid decrease is meant. Using precise language contributes to clarity and accuracy in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decreases slowly

Emphasizes the slow pace of the decrease.

diminishes steadily

Highlights the consistent nature of the reduction.

lessens gradually

Highlights the lessening intensity of something over time.

falls incrementally

Focuses on small steps in the downward trend.

recedes progressively

Suggests a more formal and measured decrease.

tapers off

Implies a gentle and lessening decrease, often to a point.

ebbs away slowly

Conveys a sense of something diminishing like a tide.

winds down steadily

Suggests a process that is slowing to a halt.

attenuates slowly

Implies a weakening or reduction in force or intensity.

deteriorates progressively

Focuses on the worsening quality or condition during the decline.

FAQs

How can I use "declines gradually" in a sentence?

You can use "declines gradually" to describe a slow and continuous decrease in something. For example, "The number of students "declines gradually" each year due to rising tuition costs".

What are some alternatives to "declines gradually"?

Alternatives include "decreases slowly", "diminishes steadily", or "tapers off", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "decline gradually"?

While "decline gradually" can be used, "declines gradually" is grammatically correct when referring to a singular subject. The verb must agree with the subject.

What is the difference between "declines gradually" and "declines sharply"?

"Declines gradually" indicates a slow and continuous decrease, while "declines sharply" implies a sudden and rapid drop. The choice depends on the rate of change you want to describe.