falling in numbers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "falling in numbers" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a decrease in quantity or population over time. Example: "The species has been falling in numbers due to habitat loss and climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

With their food on the move, clam-eating sea ducks have been falling in numbers.

The Washington Post

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

Dismayingly, they are falling in numbers quite severely now, and last year, the new Bird Atlas for Britain and Ireland revealed the full extent of their decline, which is by nearly a half in 40 years: they have vanished from 43 per cent of the 10km grid squares where they were recorded in the early 1970s.

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Hunt said last year that 'Never Events', are not really falling in number – more than 1,000 in the last 4 years.

Harvard University

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

Among the species expected to suffer significant falls in numbers are the Brazil nut, and wild cacao and açai trees, all important food sources.

The Guardian

Populations of some European common birds stopped falling in the 1990s, but all groups of birds had fallen in numbers since 1980, and other species groups like butterflies, amphibians and pollinating insects had declined dramatically, said the report.

The Guardian

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing trends or data, use "falling in numbers" to clearly indicate a decrease or decline. This phrase is suitable for formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "falling in numbers" when describing abstract concepts that don't involve quantifiable data. Opt for phrases like "decreasing in importance" or "losing relevance" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "falling in numbers" functions as a descriptive expression, typically used to indicate a decrease or decline in a measurable quantity or population. It describes a trend or state of reduction, observed in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

14%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "falling in numbers" is a grammatically correct way to describe a reduction in quantity or population. While considered rare in overall usage, as shown by Ludwig, it's versatile enough for both formal and informal communication. The primary function of "falling in numbers" is to communicate a diminishing trend, often found in contexts like news reporting, scientific analysis, and academic discussions. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for broad application, and although there are some contexts where more specific language might be needed, it effectively conveys the core idea of a decreasing count. Ludwig's AI confirms the phrase is usable in written English, suggesting confidence in its validity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decreasing in quantity

Focuses on the reduction of a measurable amount or volume.

declining in population

Specifically refers to a reduction in the number of individuals within a group.

dwindling in count

Implies a gradual and continuous decrease in the total.

reducing in size

Emphasizes the diminishing of physical dimensions or extent.

diminishing in volume

Highlights the reduction in capacity or magnitude.

lessening in amount

Describes a reduction in a general quantity or measure.

shrinking in total

Suggests a contraction or reduction in the overall sum.

ebbing in sum

Implies a gradual recession or decrease in the cumulative amount.

dropping in tally

Refers to a decrease in a counted or recorded amount.

plunging in figures

Indicates a sudden and dramatic decrease in numerical data.

FAQs

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

You can use "falling in numbers" to describe a decrease in population or quantity. For example: "The bird species is "falling in numbers" due to habitat loss."

What are some alternatives to "falling in numbers"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "decreasing in quantity", "declining in population", or "dwindling in count".

Is it correct to say "falling in numbers"?

Yes, "falling in numbers" is a correct and understandable phrase to describe a reduction in quantity or population. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

What is the difference between "falling in numbers" and "declining"?

"Falling in numbers" specifically implies a reduction in a countable quantity, while "declining" can refer to a broader range of decreases, including quality or status. For example you may have "declining reputation" instead of "falling in reputation".