declining number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "declining number of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a reduction in quantity or frequency of something over time. Example: "The declining number of participants in the annual event has raised concerns among the organizers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

He laments the declining number of priests.

The New York Times

They also point to the declining number of young Romanians.

The Guardian - Opinion

The declining number of these trees has been a problem.

The New York Times - Travel

Many female coaches are concerned by the declining number of female coaches.

The New York Times - Sports

The airlines themselves were in part responsible for the declining number of first-class seats.

The New York Times

And she said coyotes might not be the reason for the declining number of deer.

The New York Times

In large part, the loss of the old barns reflects the declining number of farmers.

The New York Times

For years, F.D.A. officials said little about the declining number of new drug approvals.

The New York Times - Health

City officials attributed the decision to budgetary concerns as well as the declining number of evacuees.

The New York Times

Export price deflation continues, and Brian Lane investigates what's behind the declining number of factories.

The New York Times

"I don't notice shrinking support," Mr. Harkin said when asked about the declining number of co-sponsors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "declining number of", ensure that the noun it modifies is countable. For uncountable nouns, consider using "declining amount of".

Common error

Avoid using "declining number of" with uncountable nouns like "water" or "influence". Instead, use "declining amount of" or other suitable alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "declining number of" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It indicates a reduction in the quantity of the noun it precedes. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "declining number of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate a reduction in a countable quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It is most commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure it modifies a countable noun. For uncountable nouns, consider alternatives such as "declining amount of". The phrase serves to report negative trends, often prompting concern or further inquiry. While suitable for both formal and neutral registers, it leans towards formality. Understanding these nuances will enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decreasing amount of

Replaces "number" with "amount", which is more suitable for uncountable nouns.

falling quantity of

Uses "quantity" instead of "number", emphasizing the measurable aspect.

reducing incidence of

Focuses on the rate at which something is happening or occurring.

shrinking pool of

Implies a limited resource that is diminishing.

dwindling supply of

Suggests a reduction in available resources or provisions.

lessening frequency of

Highlights a decrease in how often something happens.

diminishing presence of

Emphasizes a reduced visibility or impact.

waning influence of

Indicates a weakening effect or power.

contracting volume of

Focuses on the reduced size or capacity.

ebbing tide of

Uses a metaphorical expression for a gradual decline.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "declining number of"?

You can use alternatives like "decreasing amount of", "falling quantity of", or "reducing incidence of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "declining number of water"?

No, it is not correct. "Number" is used with countable nouns. For uncountable nouns like water, use "declining amount of" instead.

How does "declining number of" differ from "decreasing number of"?

Both phrases are largely interchangeable. However, "declining" can sometimes imply a more gradual or continuous decrease compared to "decreasing".

What contexts is "declining number of" most appropriate for?

The phrase is suitable for formal and neutral contexts, particularly in news reports, scientific articles, and business documents when discussing trends or statistics.