destructive trend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "destructive trend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a pattern or tendency that has harmful or damaging effects in a particular context. Example: "The rise of misinformation on social media is a concerning destructive trend that undermines public trust."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It is within our power to slow or reverse this destructive trend, which threatens our very existence.

The New York Times

The act is due to be reauthorized this year, and Congress needs to use that opportunity to reverse this destructive trend.

The New York Times

Such farming is, says Worldwatch Institute, a think-tank in Washington, DC, "essential to combat the destructive trend of factory farms".

The Economist

It is essential to combat the destructive trend of traditional pastoralism.The research by Mario Herrero of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation in Australia and colleagues starts by establishing a new data set on biomass use, meat production, feed efficiency, and other measures of livestock farming.

The Economist

Is there any way for you to exert influence to reverse this destructive trend at a societal level?

Huffington Post

Given the critical importance of 2015, all faith leaders should do the same, urging world leaders to commit to halting the destructive trend represented by climate change and creating an authentically prosperous future for all.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

According to the Danes, the arrangement was maintained for the good of the Greenlanders, to guard them against the "destructive trends" of modern life.

The New Yorker

This time we are showing our work instead of our flesh, in the hope that a more humanistic celebration of what we do, while acknowledging the poor conditions we work in, will help reverse the destructive trends within our industry.

Independent

There have been reams written over the past 25 years about widely perceived destructive trends on both the academic and the administrative sides of our campuses.

Forbes

The solution stems from reversing these destructive trends.

Huffington Post

Yet, if we find the strength to step back and take the chance to study some of the destructive trends we have seen in the human repertoire, we might be surprised to find the more constructive tendencies towards attachment and cooperation.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a "destructive trend", clearly define what specific negative consequences or impacts are associated with it to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "destructive trend" as a general catch-all term. Provide specific details and examples to illustrate the nature and scope of the trend's negative impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "destructive trend" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "destructive" modifies the noun "trend". It identifies a pattern or direction that has harmful or negative consequences, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "destructive trend" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes a pattern or tendency with harmful effects. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples from reliable sources. While relatively uncommon, the phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic writing. When using "destructive trend", it's crucial to provide specific context and examples to enhance clarity and avoid overuse. Alternatives such as "harmful tendency" or "negative development" can be used for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harmful tendency

Replaces "destructive" with "harmful" and "trend" with "tendency", offering a more general description of a negative pattern.

damaging pattern

Replaces "destructive" with "damaging" and "trend" with "pattern", highlighting the adverse effects and recurring nature.

negative development

Substitutes the entire phrase with a more concise term that encompasses any adverse change or evolution.

deleterious development

Uses the more formal "deleterious" to describe the harmful nature of the development.

detrimental course

Uses "detrimental" to emphasize the harmful consequences and "course" to imply a specific direction or path.

unfavorable trajectory

Highlights the negative implications of the trend's path or progression.

pernicious tendency

Emphasizes the subtly harmful and gradual nature of the negative pattern with "pernicious".

adverse direction

Focuses on the unfavorable nature of the trend and its directional aspect.

ruinous course

Highlights the devastating consequences of the path or progression.

catastrophic pattern

Emphasizes the disastrous potential of the trend.

FAQs

How can I use "destructive trend" in a sentence?

You can use "destructive trend" to describe a pattern or tendency that has harmful or damaging effects. For example, "The rise of misinformation online is a "destructive trend" that undermines public trust."

What are some alternatives to "destructive trend"?

You can use alternatives like "harmful tendency", "negative development", or "damaging pattern" depending on the specific context.

What makes a trend "destructive"?

A trend is considered "destructive" when it leads to significant harm, damage, or negative consequences in a particular area or system, such as environmental degradation, social unrest, or economic instability.

Is "destructive trend" formal or informal language?

The phrase "destructive trend" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it's often found in news articles, academic papers, and professional reports.