downward trends

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "downward trends" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a decline or decrease in a particular metric, such as sales, performance, or statistics over time. Example: "The company has been experiencing downward trends in its quarterly sales figures for the past year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Given manufacturing's importance in maintaining our status as a world power, the downward trends are alarming.

The New York Times

"Just as it doesn't benefit from upward trends, the downward trends have very little effect".

The New York Times

"The two downward trends are national security and rule of law.

The Guardian

He praised the ability of governments to "work in concert" to put the brakes on downward trends.

The New York Times

He's also hopeful that downward trends in the cost of solar power will make it more affordable.

The Guardian

There seems to be no clear answer to why the same neighborhoods stand out year after year, and why some would buck the downward trends.

The New York Times

According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, Sept. 11 may have worsened the economy enough to tip us into recession, sharpening existing downward trends.

The New York Times

For many theaters declines in individual, corporate and foundation philanthropy come on top of long-term downward trends in subscriptions and audiences.

The New York Times

A gap all of us will notice is the lack of the cuckoo's familiar song, their decline emblematic of downward trends in many long-distance migrants from Africa".

The Guardian

How to identify and predict downward trends?

Forbes

Despite the downward trends in stock prices, some of our value stocks managed to post gains.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "downward trends", specify the period and context for clarity. For instance, "downward trends in sales over the last quarter" provides more precise information.

Common error

Be wary of attributing "downward trends" to a single cause without thorough analysis. Multiple factors often contribute, and overlooking them can lead to ineffective solutions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "downward trends" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject or object within a sentence. It describes a pattern of decline or decrease, functioning to name a specific condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and accepted expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

53%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "downward trends" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that describes a pattern of decline. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted. It’s versatile, appearing frequently in news, science, and business contexts, signaling a negative shift. When using this phrase, clarity is key; specifying the timeframe and affected area provides crucial context. Alternatives like "declining tendencies" or "negative trajectories" can add nuance. Be cautious of attributing these trends to singular causes without comprehensive analysis. This phrase helps to effectively communicate concerning developments in various fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

declining tendencies

Replaces "trends" with "tendencies", emphasizing a general direction or inclination toward decline.

decreasing patterns

Substitutes "trends" with "patterns", highlighting a recurring sequence of decreases.

negative trajectories

Uses "trajectories" instead of "trends", suggesting a path or course that is moving downwards.

falling inclinations

Replaces "trends" with "inclinations", focusing on a predisposition or leaning toward a decrease.

descending movements

Employs "movements" to depict a shift downward.

descending directions

Direction indicates the downward movement.

lowering drifts

Indicates slow and gradual movement.

reducing developments

Highlights the reducing quality of the developments.

decline tendencies

This alternative focuses specifically on decline tendencies instead of generalized trends.

adverse progression

This alternative suggests a negative or unfavorable direction of progress, implying a decline.

FAQs

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

You can use "downward trends" to describe a decline or decrease in various metrics. For example: "The company is experiencing "downward trends" in customer satisfaction ratings."

What's a more formal way to say "downward trends"?

In a formal context, consider using phrases like "declining tendencies", "negative trajectories", or "decreasing patterns" as alternatives to "downward trends".

Are "downward trends" always negative?

While "downward trends" typically describe undesirable declines, the context determines the negativity. For example, "downward trends" in pollution levels would be a positive development.

What's the difference between "downward trend" and "downward trends"?

"Downward trend" refers to a singular instance of decline, while "downward trends" indicates multiple or ongoing instances. The choice depends on whether you're discussing one specific decline or a series of them.