falling by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "falling by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is decreasing or diminishing over time, often in relation to numbers or quantities. Example: "The number of participants in the event has been falling by the week, raising concerns about its future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But productivity is already falling by then.

The Economist

Markets resumed falling by 4 a.m.

The New York Times

Acting jobs began falling by the wayside.

The New York Times

Life expectancy is falling by a decade.

The Guardian

Japanese brands have been falling by the wayside.

The New York Times

Lucent's share price reeled, falling by more than 32%.

The Economist

Car prices are falling by 10-15% a year.

The Economist

Emerging markets also suffered, with India's Sensex falling by 2%.

The Guardian - Business

The bank's share price was falling by 30% every day.

The Guardian - Arts

It is currently falling by about £1.5bn per month.

The Guardian - Business

Its ratings have been falling, by the way.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting percentage decreases, follow "falling by" with the specific amount and unit (e.g., "falling by 10%", "falling by 2 inches").

Common error

Avoid implying a direct causal relationship simply because something is "falling by" a certain amount. Correlation does not equal causation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "falling by" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the amount of decrease or reduction. This is used quantitatively to describe a change, often in numerical terms. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples of decreases in prices, percentages, and other measurable values.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "falling by" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a reduction or decrease in a quantity or value. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this prepositional phrase is prevalent across diverse contexts, especially in news, business, and scientific reporting, indicating its versatility and broad acceptance. When using "falling by", ensure that you specify the exact amount of the reduction with clear units to communicate effectively. While very common, avoid implying causation simply based on the observed decrease.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decreasing by

Uses a different verb to describe the reduction.

declining by

Employs a different verb to convey a downward trend.

reducing by

Uses a different verb to indicate a lessening.

dropping by

Suggests a more sudden or abrupt decrease.

diminishing by

Implies a gradual reduction or fading away.

lessening by

Indicates a decrease in amount or intensity.

contracting by

Suggests a shrinking or reduction in size or scope.

slipping by

Implies a gradual and often unnoticed decrease.

sinking by

Conveys a sense of downward movement or decline, often in a figurative sense.

plummeting by

Suggests a steep and rapid decline.

FAQs

How can I use "falling by" in a sentence?

Use "falling by" to describe a measurable decrease. For instance, "The company's profits are "declining by" 15% this quarter".

What are some alternatives to "falling by"?

Alternatives include "decreasing by", "declining by", "reducing by", or "dropping by" depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it correct to say "falling by" or should I use another phrase?

The phrase "falling by" is generally correct and widely used to indicate a reduction or decrease. However, the best choice depends on the context; consider alternatives like "declining by" for a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "falling by" and "declining by"?

While both phrases indicate a decrease, "falling by" can sometimes imply a more sudden or rapid drop, whereas "declining by" might suggest a more gradual or consistent decrease. Consider the nuance you wish to convey.