falling in number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "falling in number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a decrease in quantity or population over time. Example: "The number of participants in the study has been falling in number since the initial recruitment phase."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The government's own assessment, published in August, found that much of England's best-loved wildlife remains in serious decline, with 75% of over 200 "priority" species across the country falling in number.

The Guardian

Large families are few and falling in number, but one good anecdote about a dysfunctional feckless household distracts from the savage effect of cuts to the rest of the working poor.

The Guardian - Opinion

Birds and butterflies on farmland have continued their long-term downward trend and 75% of more than 200 "priority" species across the country – including hedgehogs, dormice and moths – are falling in number.

The Guardian

On the other hand the real pessimists - those who say they're not feeling the benefits and don't expect to - seem to be falling in number; the optimists - who aren't feeling the benefits but think they might - has just ticked up.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Kestrels in particular, which have been falling in numbers, had a very good 2011, showing a 15 per cent increase above recent averages in the numbers of fledglings produced per nest.

Independent

According to the World Wildlife Fund, appetite for the fins and other shark-related products has led to some shark species falling in numbers by 60-70%.

BBC

Car bombs, they say, fell in number from 44 four weeks ago to 12 in the last week of November.

The Economist

But in the 20th century farms grew in size and fell in number, from 6.5m in 1920 to 2.2m in 2007.

The Economist

The dermal papilla cells fall in number, the follicles shrink and, as the American Hair Loss Association puts it, they stop producing "cosmetically acceptable hair".

The Guardian

Apps are increasingly preferred to banks' websites, according to BBA figures, noting that internet banking logins fell in number slightly last year.

The Guardian - Business

In the second and third week of the riots - when 57 out of France's 60 CRS riot police units had been deployed in the suburbs - hand-to-hand clashes fell in number.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "falling in number" to describe a quantifiable decrease in a specific group or category. For example, "The population of songbirds is falling in number due to habitat loss."

Common error

Avoid using "falling in number" to describe abstract concepts that are not easily quantifiable. It is more suitable for concrete, countable entities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "falling in number" primarily functions as a verb phrase describing a state of decline or reduction. This is evident in Ludwig's examples, where it modifies nouns such as "species", "families", or "birds", indicating a decrease in their respective populations or quantities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "falling in number" is a grammatically sound way to describe a decline in quantity or population. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English. While not extremely common, it appears frequently in news and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure it's applied to quantifiable entities. For alternatives, consider phrases like "decreasing in quantity" or "dwindling in numbers" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decreasing in quantity

Focuses on the reduction in the amount or measure of something.

dwindling in numbers

Emphasizes a gradual reduction in population or count.

declining in frequency

Highlights a reduction in how often something occurs.

diminishing in size

Focuses on a reduction in physical dimensions or scope.

lessening in amount

Stresses a reduction in the total quantity or extent.

dropping in count

Highlights a decrease in the numerical value or tally.

reducing in volume

Emphasizes a decrease in the total space occupied.

slipping in rank

Focuses on decreasing hierarchical position or rating.

shrinking in mass

Highlights a decrease in the total amount of matter.

ebbing in strength

Emphasizes a reduction in power or intensity.

FAQs

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

You can use "falling in number" to describe a decrease in the count of something, for example: "The number of students applying to humanities programs is "falling in number"."

What phrases are similar to "falling in number"?

Similar phrases include "decreasing in quantity", "dwindling in numbers", or "declining in frequency".

Is it always appropriate to use "falling in number"?

While grammatically correct, "falling in number" is best used for countable items or populations, not for abstract concepts. Using it correctly ensures clarity and precision.

What's the difference between "falling in number" and "decreasing in number"?

Both phrases are similar, but "falling in number" can sometimes imply a more sudden or rapid decrease, while "decreasing in number" suggests a more gradual decline.