have deteriorated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have deteriorated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a decline in quality, condition, or performance over time. Example: "The condition of the building has deteriorated significantly over the years, leading to safety concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Government finances will have deteriorated sharply.

The Economist

Since then, relations have deteriorated further.

The New York Times - Sports

6. (C) Russian-Tajik relations have deteriorated.

The Guardian

"Certainly things have deteriorated," he said.

The New York Times

U.S.-Iran relations have deteriorated dramatically since last year.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, some aspects of job quality have deteriorated appreciably.

The Guardian - Opinion

By Mr. Kerry's own account, relations with Russia have deteriorated.

The New York Times

Relations between the two countries, often uneasy, have deteriorated.

The Economist

Conditions there have deteriorated somewhat since Pollack's day.

The New York Times - Arts

His personal relations with Mr Fini have deteriorated spectacularly.

The Economist

The company's prospects may have deteriorated in the intervening months.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have deteriorated", ensure that the subject experiencing the decline is clearly identified to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify what exactly has deteriorated, such as "the quality of service" or "the financial situation".

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something "has deteriorated" without providing any specific details or metrics. Provide context by including relevant data, comparisons, or examples to show the extent and impact of the decline. For example, instead of saying "the roads have deteriorated", you could say "the roads have deteriorated significantly, with potholes increasing by 30% over the past year".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have deteriorated" functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect tense. Ludwig's examples show it describes a process where something's condition, quality, or value has declined over time. It indicates a completed action with present relevance, often implying negative consequences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have deteriorated" is a commonly used verb phrase indicating a decline in quality, condition, or performance over time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It's most frequently found in news articles and scientific publications, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, it's important to provide specific context and avoid vague statements. Alternatives include "have worsened" and "have declined", each with subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have worsened

This alternative directly implies a negative change or decline, similar to "have deteriorated", but with a slightly more general connotation.

have declined

This term suggests a gradual decrease in quality or quantity, offering a less severe tone than "have deteriorated".

have degraded

This phrase indicates a reduction in quality or integrity, often used in technical or environmental contexts.

have decayed

This alternative suggests a process of rotting or decomposition, implying a natural or irreversible decline.

have eroded

This term is often used to describe the gradual wearing away or destruction of something, either physically or metaphorically.

have regressed

This phrase indicates a return to a former, less developed state, implying a backward movement.

have slipped

This alternative suggests a gradual decline in performance or condition, often used in business or sports contexts.

have crumbled

This phrase implies a complete breakdown or collapse, suggesting a more dramatic decline than "have deteriorated".

have soured

This term suggests a change from good to bad, often used in the context of relationships or situations.

have fallen apart

This alternative indicates a disintegration or fragmentation, suggesting a complete loss of cohesion or functionality.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "have deteriorated"?

You can use alternatives like "have worsened", "have declined", or "have degraded" depending on the context.

How do I use "have deteriorated" in a sentence?

The phrase "have deteriorated" is used to describe a decline in quality, condition, or performance over time. For example, "The company's financial situation /s/have+deteriorated" over the last quarter."

What's the difference between "have deteriorated" and "have worsened"?

"Have deteriorated" implies a gradual decline, often associated with wear and tear or decay. "Have worsened" is a more general term for something becoming worse, not necessarily gradual.

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

No, "has deteriorated" is used with singular subjects, while "have deteriorated" is used with plural subjects or with the pronoun "I", "you", "we" or "they". For example, "The building has deteriorated" versus "The buildings have deteriorated".