is receding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is receding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is gradually moving away or diminishing over time, such as a physical object or an abstract concept. Example: "The shoreline is receding due to the rising sea levels."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The economy is receding.

The New York Times - Sports

Most important, deflation is receding.

The Economist

Today, that history is receding.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The tide of war is receding.

Independent

Mercifully, the past is receding.

The New York Times

But that speculation is receding.

The Guardian

Oil's importance to America is receding.

The Economist

Yes, the tide of war is receding.

The New York Times

But now even that goal is receding.

The Economist

What is receding is Obama's America.

The Washington Post

The pink tide is receding fast.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is receding" to describe a gradual decline or movement away from a previous state or position. It works well for describing trends, physical phenomena like shorelines, or abstract concepts like influence or importance.

Common error

Avoid using "is receding" when a more specific term like "decreasing sharply" or "disappearing entirely" better captures the actual change. "Is receding" implies a gradual and often ongoing process, not a sudden or complete one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is receding" functions as a verb phrase in the present continuous tense, indicating an ongoing action or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. It describes something in the process of moving back, diminishing, or weakening. Examples from Ludwig show its use in contexts ranging from economic trends to physical changes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is receding" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase in the present continuous tense. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and demonstrates its usage across various domains, including news, science, and business. It effectively communicates a gradual decline or movement away from a previous state, applicable to both tangible and intangible concepts. When writing, it's crucial to consider the specific context and ensure that "is receding" accurately reflects the ongoing and gradual nature of the change being described, differentiating it from more abrupt or complete transformations. Given the wide range of appropriate contexts in which it may be used, it is a valuable inclusion in any writer's toolbox.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is diminishing

Focuses on a gradual decrease in size, strength, or importance.

is declining

Suggests a downward trend or deterioration.

is waning

Implies a gradual decrease in power, influence, or intensity.

is retreating

Emphasizes a physical movement backward or away.

is fading

Highlights a gradual loss of visibility, audibility, or intensity.

is lessening

Indicates a reduction in amount, degree, or severity.

is subsiding

Suggests a decrease in intensity or activity, often after a period of excess.

is abating

Similar to subsiding, but often used in the context of storms or other disturbances.

is ebbing

Often used to describe the outgoing tide, but can also apply to a general decline.

is tapering off

Describes a gradual reduction, often in quantity or intensity.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is receding" describes something that is gradually moving away or diminishing. For example: "The floodwaters "are receding"" or "His hairline "is receding"".

What are some alternatives to "is receding"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "is diminishing", "is declining", or "is waning".

Is it correct to say "the danger is receding"?

Yes, "the danger is receding" is correct. It means that the level of danger is decreasing or moving away. For example, "Formally the recession ended a year ago, and the danger of a second dip "is receding"".

What's the difference between "is receding" and "is retreating"?

"Is receding" generally implies a gradual decline or movement away, while "is retreating" often suggests a more deliberate or tactical withdrawal. For example, a glacier "is receding" due to climate change, while an army is retreating from a battlefield.