has been deteriorating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been deteriorating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that has been worsening over a period of time. Example: "The condition of the old building has been deteriorating for years, leading to safety concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

… Your father has been deteriorating daily".

The New York Times

Across the nation, the labor market has been deteriorating.

The New York Times

Built between 1866 and 1872, the 526 acre park has been deteriorating since the Dept.

The New Yorker

Violence has been escalating for months and the general political atmosphere has been deteriorating.

The New York Times

Revenue has been deteriorating for the past five years, not even keeping up with inflation.

The Guardian

The dam on Rainbow Lake, officials said, has been deteriorating for a long time.

The New York Times

The other is characterized by paltry demand for buildings where the leasing market has been deteriorating.

The New York Times

The outlook for the economy and corporate earnings has been deteriorating rapidly.

The New York Times

NTT's core fixed-line business has been deteriorating because of mobile phone and Internet-based competition.

The New York Times

All the other major insurance companies have noted similar rises, even as the product that they offer has been deteriorating.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was closed in 1967 when the Coast Guard moved away and has been deteriorating ever since.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been deteriorating" to describe a gradual decline or worsening of a condition over a period. This phrase is most effective when you want to emphasize the ongoing nature of the decline.

Common error

Avoid using "has been deteriorating" when a simpler, more direct adjective would suffice. For example, instead of saying "The food has been deteriorating," consider "The food is stale" if the decline is already complete.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been deteriorating" functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect continuous tense, describing an ongoing process that started in the past. It suggests a continuous decline or worsening of a particular condition. Examples from Ludwig show it used across various contexts to describe declining states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has been deteriorating" is a grammatically sound and widely used verb phrase in the present perfect continuous tense. As confirmed by Ludwig, it effectively conveys a process of ongoing decline, emphasizing duration and progression. Predominantly found in news and scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for formal communication. When using the phrase, remember to focus on highlighting the continuous nature of the decline, and avoid overuse when simpler adjectives can suffice. For nuanced expression, consider alternatives like "has been worsening", "has been declining", or "has been degrading" to better suit the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been worsening

Focuses on the act of becoming worse over time, emphasizing the process of decline.

has been declining

Emphasizes a downward trend or reduction in quality or quantity.

has been degrading

Highlights the reduction in quality or moral status over a period.

has been degenerating

Implies a decline into a lower or worse state, especially in morals or character.

has been eroding

Suggests a gradual wearing away or destruction, often used for abstract concepts like trust or support.

has been fading

Indicates a loss of brightness, strength, or clarity over time.

has been crumbling

Implies a breakdown or disintegration, often used metaphorically for systems or relationships.

has been collapsing

Suggests a sudden and complete failure or breakdown.

has been decaying

Focuses on the process of rotting or decomposition.

has been falling apart

Emphasizes the state of disintegration or disrepair.

FAQs

What is the difference between "has been deteriorating" and "is deteriorating"?

"Has been deteriorating" indicates a process that started in the past and continues to the present, while "is deteriorating" describes a process happening now. The former emphasizes the duration of the decline, the latter emphasizes its current state.

What are some alternatives to using "has been deteriorating"?

You can use alternatives like "has been worsening", "has been declining", or "has been degrading" depending on the specific context.

How do I use "has been deteriorating" in a sentence?

Use "has been deteriorating" to describe a condition that has worsened gradually over time. For example: "The relationship between the two countries has been deteriorating for years."

Is it appropriate to use "has been deteriorating" in formal writing?

Yes, "has been deteriorating" is appropriate for formal writing. According to Ludwig, its usage is supported by numerous authoritative sources, including academic journals and news publications.