have been declining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been declining" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a continuous decrease or reduction in something over a period of time. Example: "Sales have been declining steadily over the past few months, prompting the company to reevaluate its marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Catches of fish have been declining, too.

The Economist

Fertility rates have been declining everywhere.

The Economist

have been declining for seven quarters.

The New York Times

Sales there have been declining.

The New York Times

Cigarette sales have been declining for decades.

The New York Times

Mortgage rates, for example, have been declining.

The New York Times

But fertility rates everywhere have been declining for decades.

The Economist

Interest rates have been declining for decades now.

The New York Times

Global sales have been declining since at least last July.

The Economist

Prices in Greece have been declining for 23 months.

The Economist

In recent days, oil prices have been declining.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have been declining", ensure the subject is clearly defined and the timeframe of the decline is specified for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "have been declining" without specifying what is declining. Always provide a subject to ensure the sentence is clear and informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been declining" functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect progressive tense. It describes an ongoing process of reduction or decrease that started in the past and continues into the present. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound and commonly employed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have been declining" is a versatile verb phrase indicating a continuous reduction or decrease over time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. Analysis of usage patterns reveals its prominence in News & Media and Scientific contexts, reflecting its utility in reporting on trends and changes across various domains. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: specify the subject undergoing decline and the timeframe involved. Alternatives like "have been decreasing" or "have been falling" offer subtle nuances for tailoring your message. Ultimately, "have been declining" serves as a concise and effective tool for conveying negative trends with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been decreasing

Focuses on the process of becoming smaller or less.

have been diminishing

Emphasizes a gradual reduction to near nothing.

have been falling

Suggests a downward movement or drop in quantity or value.

have seen a downturn

Highlights a negative trend or decline in business or economy.

have been receding

Implies a withdrawal or moving back from a previous level.

have experienced a drop

Focuses on the event of a sudden decrease.

have been eroding

Suggests a gradual wearing away or deterioration.

have been waning

Indicates a decrease in power, influence, or intensity.

have been shrinking

Implies a reduction in size or amount.

have shown a reduction

Highlights the display of a decrease.

FAQs

How can I use "have been declining" in a sentence?

You can use "have been declining" to describe a continuous decrease or reduction in something over a period of time. For example: "Sales "have been declining" steadily over the past few months."

What are some alternatives to "have been declining"?

Alternatives include phrases like "have been decreasing", "have been falling", or "have been diminishing", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "have been declining" or "are declining"?

"Have been declining" implies a trend over a period, while "are declining" suggests a current, ongoing process. Choose the phrase that best fits the timeframe you want to emphasize.

What does "have been declining" mean?

The phrase "have been declining" signifies a continuous reduction or decrease in quantity, quality, or value over a certain period. It indicates an ongoing negative trend.