downward sloping

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "downward sloping" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a trend or a graph that decreases as it moves from left to right. Example: "The graph shows a downward sloping line, indicating a decrease in sales over the last quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Ordinarily we'd think of a downward sloping demand curve.

The New York Times

In normal times (upper part of the chart), demand for Italian bonds is downward sloping.

The Economist

Downward sloping yield curves are rare.

Forbes

The slope is downward sloping.

Journal of Economic Structures

In other words, the iso-wage is downward sloping.

IZA Journal of Migration

The ice bustles had cylindrical shapes with slightly downward sloping side walls.

Cold Regions Science and Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

But why is the AD curve downward-sloping?

The New York Times

Historically a downward-sloping (or inverted) yield curve has been a widely trailed indicator of recession on the horizon.

The Economist

Sporting a downward-sloping relative strength index (RSI) near 70 and stochastics above 80, Regal could be massively overbought and on the tail end of a double top.

Forbes

Yes, economics textbooks typically show a downward-sloping "aggregate demand curve".

The Economist

For downward-sloping holes, some means must be provided for removing drill cuttings, dust, and sludge.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing economic data, use "downward sloping" to clearly indicate a negative correlation between two variables, such as price and demand.

Common error

Avoid using "downward sloping" when you actually mean a "downward shift." A slope describes the relationship between two variables on a curve, while a shift indicates a change in the entire curve's position.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "downward sloping" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying a noun (e.g., curve, trend, line) to describe its direction or orientation. Ludwig confirms its common usage in describing visual representations of data or physical features.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

43%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "downward sloping" is an adjective phrase used to describe a decreasing trend, curve, or slope. Ludwig AI validates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various domains, particularly in science, news, and media. It's essential to differentiate between "downward sloping" and "downward shift" to avoid confusion. When writing, use "downward sloping" to accurately describe inverse relationships or declines shown in data or physical representations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

declining slope

Directly indicates a reduction in the angle of the slope.

descending curve

Specifies a curved line that moves downwards.

decreasing gradient

Focuses on the change in steepness, implying a reduction in slope.

decreasing incline

Highlights that the angle of elevation is diminishing.

negative trend

Emphasizes the declining nature of a pattern or sequence.

diminishing gradient

Focuses on the reduction in rate of change.

falling trajectory

Suggests a path that is moving downwards.

inverted slope

Highlights that the slope is the reverse of what's typical or expected.

plunging trend

Implies a rapid and significant decrease.

receding incline

Suggests a slope that is moving backward and downward.

FAQs

How can I use "downward sloping" in a sentence?

You can use "downward sloping" to describe a curve or trend that decreases in value as you move from left to right on a graph. For example, "The demand curve is "downward sloping"".

What does a "downward sloping" curve indicate?

A "downward sloping" curve typically indicates an inverse relationship between two variables. As one variable increases, the other decreases. For instance, a "downward sloping" demand curve shows that as price increases, quantity demanded decreases.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "downward sloping"?

You can use alternatives such as "decreasing gradient", "negative trend", or "declining slope" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "downward sloping" in economic analysis?

It's appropriate when describing relationships such as demand curves, where the quantity demanded decreases as the price increases, resulting in a "downward sloping" line on a graph.