downward trend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "downward trend" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use it when you want to describe something that has been decreasing in numbers or intensity over a period of time. For example, "The company's stock has been the victim of a downward trend over the past few weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The downward trend will continue.

The Economist

There's a downward trend in attendance".

The New York Times

This follows a long-term downward trend.

The Guardian

The dollar "remains on a downward trend," he said.

The New York Times

"I think we are on a downward trend," he said.

The New York Times

Still, the New York numbers indicate a sharp downward trend.

The New York Times

Burglaries were on a downward trend throughout that period.

The Guardian - Money

Many analysts believe sterling's downward trend will continue.

The Guardian

"We know there is a downward trend of listening hours.

The Guardian

"I believe that downward trend is a blip," he said.

The New York Times

Technology heavyweights on the Nasdaq followed the downward trend.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "downward trend", specify the period over which the trend is observed to provide context and improve clarity.

Common error

Avoid mistaking minor, temporary dips for a sustained "downward trend". Ensure the decline is significant and persists over a reasonable timeframe before using the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "downward trend" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a pattern of decline over time. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "downward trend" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe a pattern of decline over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and applicable in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. When employing this phrase, it's important to provide specific details about the period and metrics involved to ensure clarity. Be mindful of short-term fluctuations and avoid mistaking them for sustained trends. Consider using alternative phrases like "declining tendency" or "decreasing pattern" for subtle variations in meaning. With a strong presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, "downward trend" remains a reliable term for expressing negative progressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

declining tendency

Emphasizes the inherent inclination or disposition towards a decrease.

decreasing pattern

Highlights the observed regularity of the decline.

negative trajectory

Implies a directional path moving downwards.

falling rate

Focuses on the speed at which something is decreasing.

descending slope

Suggests a continuous and gradual decline.

reduction in numbers

Directly refers to a decrease in quantity.

decline in performance

Specifically relates to a decrease in effectiveness or achievement.

erosion of value

Indicates a gradual loss of worth or significance.

weakening trend

Suggests that the strength or intensity of something is diminishing.

slipping standard

Implies a decrease in quality or accepted level of achievement.

FAQs

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

You can use "downward trend" to describe a decline over time, such as "The company's profits showed a "downward trend" this quarter" or "There's a "downward trend" in the number of students applying to humanities programs".

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

Alternatives include "declining tendency", "decreasing pattern", or "negative trajectory", depending on the specific context you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "downward trend downwards"?

Yes, saying "downward trend downwards" is redundant because "trend" already implies a direction. It's better to simply use "downward trend" or "the trend is downwards".

What's the difference between a "downward trend" and a "recession"?

A "downward trend" is a general term for a decline in some metric over time. A "recession" is a specific economic term referring to a significant decline in economic activity spread across the economy, lasting more than a few months, normally visible in real GDP, real income, employment, industrial production, and wholesale-retail sales.