is in decline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is in decline" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a decline or decrease in something, such as a trend, economy, or population. Here is an example: "The sales of traditional print newspapers are in decline due to the rise of online news sources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fertility is in decline.

The Economist

Ballet is in decline.

The New York Times - Arts

It is in decline.

The Economist

But Clacton is in decline.

Independent

At first glance, religion is in decline.

The New York Times

In general, rural life is in decline.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Life expectancy is in decline (see chart).

The Economist

The once-mighty Nokia is in decline.

The Economist

Aunt Betsy's health is in decline.

The New York Times - Books

" 'Red snapper is in decline worldwide.

The New Yorker

Its economy is in decline".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is in decline", specify the cause of the decline to provide context and clarity for your readers. For example, instead of just stating "Sales are in decline", elaborate with "Sales are in decline due to increased competition and changing consumer preferences."

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something "is in decline" without providing quantifiable data or evidence to support the claim. Back up your statement with statistics or examples to strengthen your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is in decline" functions as a descriptive statement indicating that something is undergoing a process of reduction or deterioration. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples across diverse domains confirming this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is in decline" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe something that is decreasing or deteriorating. As indicated by Ludwig AI and the numerous examples provided, it's grammatically correct and applicable across various contexts, from news reports and academic papers to scientific discussions. While the phrase itself is generally neutral in tone, providing specific details about the cause and extent of the decline can enhance clarity and impact. Remember to support your statements with evidence to avoid generalizations. By using this phrase effectively, you can accurately convey trends of reduction or deterioration in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is on the decline

A slightly more emphatic version of the original phrase.

is decreasing

Focuses on the action of diminishing rather than a state of decline.

is diminishing

Implies a gradual reduction in size, importance, or intensity.

is deteriorating

Highlights the worsening condition of something over time.

is waning

Suggests a decrease in power, influence, or popularity.

is on the wane

Similar to "is waning" but with a slightly more idiomatic feel.

is fading

Emphasizes the loss of visibility, audibility, or strength.

is regressing

Indicates a return to a previous, less developed state.

is collapsing

Conveys a sudden and dramatic failure or breakdown.

is falling

A more general term for decreasing or dropping.

FAQs

How can I use "is in decline" in a sentence?

Use "is in decline" to describe something that is decreasing or deteriorating. For example, "The popularity of CDs "is in decline" due to the rise of streaming services".

What are some alternatives to "is in decline"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is decreasing", "is diminishing", or "is deteriorating", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "is in decline" or "is on the decline"?

Both "is in decline" and "is on the decline" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.

What factors typically contribute to something being "in decline"?

Factors vary widely depending on the subject. They can include economic downturns, technological advancements that make something obsolete, changing consumer preferences, or increased competition. Understanding the specific factors helps provide context to why something "is in decline".