declines steadily

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "declines steadily" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a consistent decrease in quantity, quality, or value over time. Example: "The company's profits have declined steadily over the past three years, prompting management to reevaluate their business strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Starting from the third year of medical school on, a doctor's empathy toward patients declines steadily over time.

University of California, Berkeley

The viability of women's eggs for conception declines steadily from around the age of 35, dropping more sharply past 40.

Independent

Drug efficacy declines steadily in part because the converting enzyme, aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC), is lost concomitant with substantia nigra atrophy.

Molecular Therapy

The difference between sleep duration during the week and the weekend is greatest in adolescents and young adults and then declines steadily as we get older.

Independent

Emergent delivery did not predict classical hysterotomy.Fifty percent of women at 23-26 weeks of gestation who undergo cesarean delivery have a classical hysterotomy, and the risk declines steadily thereafter.

Stanford University

Writing in the current issue of the journal Contemporary Ob/Gyn, Dr. Shirley Fong and Dr. Peter McGovern review what recent studies have revealed to explain why a woman's fertility declines steadily after age 20 and precipitously after age 35.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

… declined steadily.

The New York Times

Membership declined steadily thereafter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Gonorrhea cases then declined steadily.

The New York Times

His reputation declined steadily after 1930.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Since the 1960s manufacturing has declined steadily.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, quantify the rate of decline if possible. For example, instead of just saying "sales declines steadily", specify "sales declines steadily by 5% each quarter".

Common error

Don't assume that "declines steadily" implies a linear or constant rate of decrease. The rate might fluctuate, so avoid using this phrase if precision is crucial or if you want to suggest a perfectly even drop.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "declines steadily" functions as a verb phrase that typically modifies a noun or pronoun, describing a gradual and consistent decrease over time. Ludwig shows many examples of its use across diverse subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

40%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "declines steadily" is a versatile expression used to describe a gradual and consistent decrease over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in scientific, news, and academic writing. The phrase is most frequently employed in contexts of science and news, and has a neutral tone, making it suitable for professional communications. While the phrase is common, it's important to avoid assuming a linear decline. Consider alternatives like "decreases gradually" or "diminishes progressively" for subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decreases gradually

Emphasizes the gradual nature of the decrease, similar to "declines steadily" but uses different vocabulary.

diminishes progressively

Highlights the progressive reduction, focusing on the step-by-step nature of the decline.

falls consistently

Stresses the consistent pattern of decrease, providing a straightforward alternative.

reduces incrementally

Focuses on the small, incremental changes contributing to the overall decline.

erodes slowly

Suggests a wearing away or gradual disintegration, adding a sense of deterioration.

lessens continuously

Highlights the continuous nature of the reduction, emphasizing its ongoing presence.

tapers off gradually

Implies a gentle and smooth decline, often used in the context of quantities or intensity.

weakens progressively

Focuses on a reduction in strength or power over time.

deteriorates incrementally

Highlights a gradual decline in quality or condition.

ebbs away slowly

Suggests a gradual receding or flowing away, often used metaphorically.

FAQs

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

Use "declines steadily" to describe something that decreases consistently over time. For example, "The company's market share "declines steadily" due to increased competition".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "declines steadily"?

Alternatives include "decreases gradually", "diminishes progressively", or "falls consistently". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "declines steadily" or "decreases sharply"?

"Declines steadily" suggests a consistent, gradual reduction, while "decreases sharply" indicates a sudden, significant drop. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the rate of change you are describing.

Can "declines steadily" be used to describe abstract concepts?

Yes, "declines steadily" can effectively describe abstract concepts such as influence, support, or morale. For example, "Public confidence in the government "declines steadily" following the scandal".