falls by degrees

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "falls by degrees" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual decline or decrease in something over time. Example: "The company's profits have been falling by degrees since the new competitor entered the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The report also found that the number of international students enrolling in their first year of an undergraduate degree fell by 5.6% to 72,512 over the same period.

Nature

The air temperature on Earth in the path of totality falls by some degrees.

Encyclopedia Britannica

During the nine months that the wells burned, average air temperatures fell by 10 degrees C as a result of reduced light from the sun.

The Guardian

Gov. Ned Lamont warned residents that temperatures would fall by 20 degrees or more by Monday morning, and urged them to stay off the state's roads so that plows could clear them of snow before they froze over.

The New York Times

Generally the performance of PV panels falls by 0.5% for every degree rise in temperature, depending on the type of solar cells used.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

A Nasa study, cited by Mintel, suggested that productivity falls by 3.6% for every degree over 22C.

BBC

"Higher fuel costs have eaten into company profit, and with crude falling by this degree, we'll probably see the opposite effect next year".

The New York Times

GDP falls by 3.5%.

BBC

Sterling falls by about 30%.

BBC

Average global temperatures fell by over 0.5 degrees celsius.

The Guardian - Opinion

Temperatures are expected to fall by a few degrees more on Friday, where they'll remain through the weekend.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "falls by degrees" to emphasize a slow, incremental decline, rather than a sudden or drastic drop. This phrase adds a nuance that highlights the gradual nature of the process.

Common error

Avoid using "falls by degrees" when describing sudden or rapid decreases. The phrase is best suited for situations where the decline unfolds slowly and steadily over time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "falls by degrees" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb, indicating the manner or rate at which an action (typically a decline or decrease) occurs. It emphasizes the gradual and incremental nature of the change.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "falls by degrees" describes a gradual decline or decrease. Ludwig AI analysis categorizes it as a phrase with a neutral register, suitable for describing incremental changes across diverse contexts. While less frequent in occurrence, its impact lies in emphasizing a slow, measured decline, distinguishing it from abrupt shifts. Alternatives like "gradual decline" or "incremental decrease" provide similar meanings, offering options for varied expression. Remembering to use "falls by degrees" only when a slow, progressive decline is meant will ensure correct and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradual decline

Focuses on the gradual nature of the decrease, omitting the 'falling' metaphor.

incremental decrease

Highlights the step-by-step reduction rather than a perceived drop.

progressive decline

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the downturn.

steady drop

Suggests a consistent rate of decrease.

slight decrease

Indicates a minor reduction over time.

moderate decline

Implies a noticeable but not drastic decrease.

little by little reduction

Focuses on the small increments of the reduction.

step-by-step decline

Highlights the sequential aspect of the reduction.

slow decrease

Emphasizes the time it takes for the decrease to occur.

gradually diminishes

Uses different vocabulary to convey the same concept of a progressive decrease.

FAQs

How can I use "falls by degrees" in a sentence?

You can use "falls by degrees" to describe a gradual decline or decrease in something over time. For example, "The company's profits have been falling by degrees since the new competitor entered the market."

What are some alternatives to "falls by degrees"?

Alternatives include "gradual decline", "incremental decrease", or "progressive decline", depending on the specific context.

Is "falls by degrees" a formal or informal expression?

"Falls by degrees" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more commonly found in written or spoken communication where a nuanced description of gradual change is desired.

What does "falls by degrees" emphasize that other phrases don't?

"Falls by degrees" specifically emphasizes the gradual and incremental nature of a decline or decrease, highlighting that it happens in small steps over time, unlike a sudden or sharp drop.