ever decreasing

USAGE SUMMARY

"ever decreasing" is a correct phrase that can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is continually decreasing or diminishing, for example: "The population of the endangered species has been ever decreasing over the past decade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

There's ever decreasing pots of money available".

The Guardian - Opinion

Then, in the 1980s, came Ever Decreasing Circles.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

His television credits also include Ever Decreasing Circles, Monarch of the Glen and Marriage Lines.

Independent

In October 2010 he wrote: "My language works in ever decreasing circles.

Independent

That trend has left "an ever decreasing portion of their assets" in publicly traded stocks.

The New York Times

This exercise aims to concentrate research in ever decreasing numbers of institutions (thus rationalising cuts everywhere else).

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Almost everywhere, these great nomads are restricted to ever-decreasing pockets of land.

The Guardian

"Demand is putting very significant pressures on an ever-decreasing available supply of unemployed labor," Mr. Greenspan said.

The New York Times

What's the point if their messages are going to reach an ever-decreasing percentage of those fans?

TechCrunch

We have entered a new era of realpolitik, driven primarily by competition for ever-decreasing natural resources.

Huffington Post

Other questions concern the impact of ever-decreasing clonal diversity on stem-cell aging.

BMC Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ever decreasing", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the ongoing nature of the decline. If the decrease has stopped, a different phrase might be more appropriate.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "ever decreasing" can sound slightly informal in very formal or academic writing. Consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "continually diminishing" or "steadily declining" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ever decreasing" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase, describing a noun. Ludwig AI suggests that it describes something that is continually diminishing. It highlights the ongoing nature of a reduction or decline.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ever decreasing" is a grammatically sound adjectival phrase used to describe something that is continually diminishing. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides helpful context. While considered neutral in register, it sees prevalent use in "News & Media" and "Science". If a more formal tone is needed, synonyms like "continually diminishing" or "steadily declining" might be more appropriate. Its primary function is to emphasize a persistent decline, making it a useful phrase for conveying negative trends or diminishing resources. The phrase's common usage underscores its reliability and adaptability in a wide range of writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Continually diminishing

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the reduction, highlighting a gradual process.

Steadily declining

Suggests a more consistent and predictable rate of decrease.

Gradually reducing

Focuses on the incremental steps in the reduction process.

Progressively shrinking

Highlights the advancement of the decrease over time.

Constantly lessening

Emphasizes the uninterrupted nature of the decrease.

Dwindling steadily

Implies a gradual decrease to the point of near disappearance.

In continual decline

Highlights the process of diminishing.

Perpetually decreasing

Emphasizes the endless nature of the diminishing, often used in more formal or dramatic contexts.

Diminishing more and more

Highlights the continuous and progressive aspects of the diminish.

Eroding away

Metaphorically suggests the diminishing of something, often strength or influence, due to external forces.

FAQs

How can I use "ever decreasing" in a sentence?

You can use "ever decreasing" to describe something that is continually diminishing. For instance, "The number of students studying classics is "ever decreasing"".

What are some alternatives to "ever decreasing"?

Alternatives include "continually diminishing", "steadily declining", or "gradually reducing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "ever decreasing" formal or informal?

The phrase "ever decreasing" is generally considered neutral in tone. While acceptable in most contexts, more formal alternatives like "continually diminishing" might be preferred in academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "ever decreasing" and "steadily decreasing"?

"Ever decreasing" emphasizes the continuous nature of the decline, while "steadily decreasing" suggests a more consistent and predictable rate of decrease.