have declined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have declined" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a decrease or reduction in something over a period of time. Example: "Over the past year, sales have declined significantly due to market changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But enrollments have declined.

The New York Times

Contemplative orders have declined.

The New York Times

Most countries have declined.

The New York Times

Others have declined.

The New York Times

And stocks have declined.

The New York Times

(So far, they have declined).

The New York Times

I have declined the offer".

The New York Times

Since then, hauls have declined.

The Economist

Dog complaints have declined.

The New York Times

Home values have declined.

The Guardian

Others have declined economically.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have declined" to clearly and concisely indicate a reduction or decrease in a specific area. Ensure the subject of the sentence is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity about what has decreased.

Common error

Avoid using "have declined" with a singular subject. Ensure the subject is plural or uncountable to maintain grammatical correctness, for example, use "sales have declined" not "sale have declined".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have declined" functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect tense. It indicates that a decline or decrease has occurred at some point in the past and is relevant to the present. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have declined" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase indicating a decrease or reduction that has occurred in the past and continues to be relevant. Ludwig AI confirms this. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it serves the purpose of conveying information about reductions across various domains, maintaining a neutral tone suitable for diverse contexts. For alternative phrasing, consider "have decreased" or "have fallen" to fit specific nuances. Remember to use proper subject-verb agreement. With its high frequency and authoritative source backing, mastering the usage of "have declined" enhances clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have decreased

This alternative is a direct synonym, focusing on a simple reduction in number or amount.

have fallen

This alternative suggests a sudden or significant drop, often implying a loss in value or status.

have diminished

This alternative indicates a gradual reduction in size, importance, or quality.

have lessened

This alternative suggests a reduction in intensity or degree.

have dwindled

This alternative describes a gradual decrease to a very small amount, often suggesting near disappearance.

have dropped

This alternative indicates a sudden and noticeable decrease, similar to "have fallen" but potentially less severe.

have reduced

This alternative is a more formal synonym for "have decreased", often used in technical or business contexts.

have contracted

This alternative suggests a decrease in size or scope, often used in economic or business contexts.

have regressed

This alternative implies a return to a previous, less developed state.

have slumped

This alternative indicates a sudden and significant decline, often used in economic contexts.

FAQs

What does "have declined" mean?

The phrase "have declined" means that something has decreased or lessened over time. It indicates a reduction in quantity, quality, or importance.

How can I use "have declined" in a sentence?

You can use "have declined" to describe a decrease in various contexts. For example, "Profits "have declined" due to increased competition", or "Interest rates "have declined" over the past year".

What are some alternatives to "have declined"?

Some alternatives to "have declined" include "have decreased", "have fallen", "have diminished", or "have lessened". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "has declined" instead of "have declined"?

Yes, but it depends on the subject. Use "has declined" with singular subjects (e.g., "The quality has declined"), and "have declined" with plural or uncountable subjects (e.g., "Sales have declined", "Demand has declined").