has been sliding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been sliding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual decline or decrease in something over a period of time. Example: "The company's profits have been sliding for the past three quarters, raising concerns among investors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It has been sliding down in popularity.

The New York Times - Sports

Its stockmarket has been sliding all year.

The Economist

The share price has been sliding.

The New York Times

THE dollar has been sliding in currency markets for months.

The Economist

Union membership has been sliding for a long time.

The New Yorker

The common currency has been sliding towards disaster for months.

The Guardian

Nokia remains the biggest producer of cellphones globally, but its market share has been sliding.

The New York Times - Tech

FrontierVille, however, has been sliding faster than a pioneer bitten by a varmint.

The New York Times

Sales growth for computers, particularly desktops, has been sliding since 2012, according to consulting firm IDC.

The Washington Post

The date for Roy Hill's first ore shipment has been sliding backward.

The New Yorker

It has been sliding downwards in the rankings as a spot for investors.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been sliding" to convey a gentle, continuous downward trend. If the decline is sharp and sudden, consider using alternatives such as "plummeting" or "collapsing".

Common error

Avoid using "has been sliding" when describing situations that require more dramatic or forceful language. Overusing it can dilute the impact when stronger verbs would be more appropriate to convey urgency or severity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been sliding" functions as a present perfect continuous verb phrase. It's used to describe an action that started in the past, continues into the present, and emphasizes the ongoing nature of the decline. Ludwig confirms its validity, providing multiple examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been sliding" is a versatile present perfect continuous verb phrase used to describe a gradual decline over time. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage across various contexts, primarily in news and business reporting. Alternatives like ""has been declining"" or ""has been decreasing"" offer similar meanings, but choosing the right alternative depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. When using the phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines what is declining and consider the appropriate level of formality for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been declining

Focuses on the gradual decrease in quantity or quality.

has been decreasing

Emphasizes a reduction in number or amount.

has been deteriorating

Highlights a worsening condition or quality.

has been falling

Implies a downward movement or drop.

has been dropping

Suggests a sudden or rapid decrease.

has been diminishing

Indicates a gradual reduction or fading away.

has been receding

Implies a withdrawal or movement away.

has been ebbing

Suggests a flowing back or decline, often used metaphorically.

has been waning

Indicates a decrease in power, influence, or intensity.

has been weakening

Focuses on a loss of strength or resilience.

FAQs

How can I use "has been sliding" in a sentence?

Use "has been sliding" to describe a gradual decline in something over time. For example, "The team's performance "has been sliding" since the star player's injury."

What are some alternatives to "has been sliding"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "has been declining", "has been decreasing", or "has been deteriorating".

Is it correct to say "has been sliding down"?

While grammatically correct, "has been sliding down" can sometimes be redundant. The verb "slide" already implies downward movement, so "has been sliding" is often sufficient. However, "has been sliding down" can be used for emphasis.

What's the difference between "has been sliding" and "has slid"?

"Has been sliding" indicates a continuous process over a period, while "has slid" implies a completed action. For example, "The stock price has been sliding all week" versus "The stock price "has slid" after the announcement".