it decays

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it decays" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the process of something deteriorating or breaking down over time, often in a scientific or metaphorical context. Example: "As the organic material is exposed to air and moisture, it decays, releasing nutrients back into the soil."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

as long as it decays on its own and its natural lifetime is comparable to or longer than the inverse excitation rate.

Accounts of Chemical Research

Paying to see this leviathan, Valushka marvels at this evidence of the creativity of God, even as it decays and its dead eye reveals nothing.

The New York Times

An opposite trend is observed for the ratio Sabs/ Ssca; it decays with S abs (th ) and attains its minimal values when S abs (th ) = 2.5.

Biomedical Optics Express

But the only known radioactive version of carbon was carbon-11, and half of it decays in only 20 minutes, which is known as its half-life.

The New York Times

It decays into three pions, a complex process that takes more time to happen.

The Economist

Gelatine is a protein, so it decays at the same rate as protein-based foods like pork, milk and cheese.

The Guardian - Tech

Is there some relationship between the image in the film and how it decays, how it is attacked?

The New York Times

It decays in damp ground, if buried, and above ground suffers meticulous reuse until the last threads became paper.

The Guardian - Opinion

A particle's final state can be known by looking at what other sorts of particle it decays into.

The Economist

Thorium-232 is useful in breeder reactors because on capturing slow-moving neutrons it decays into fissionable uranium-233.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It decays almost immediately into beryllium of atomic weight 8, 8Be, with the emission of another positron and a neutrino.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it decays" in scientific writing, specify the rate and products of the decay process for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "it decays" when you mean "it disappears entirely". Decay implies a transformation, not a complete vanishing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it decays" functions as a declarative statement, typically describing a process of deterioration or transformation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a standard and acceptable English phrase. It often predicates what happens to a subject over time, especially in scientific and observational contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it decays" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression in English, as validated by Ludwig AI. It serves to describe the process of something breaking down or deteriorating over time. Analysis reveals that it is primarily utilized in scientific and news contexts, as demonstrated by numerous examples across diverse sources. While alternatives like ""it deteriorates"" or ""it degrades"" exist, "it decays" retains its specific connotation of a natural breakdown process, especially in organic or radioactive contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that the scope of decay aligns with the intended meaning, indicating transformation rather than complete disappearance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it deteriorates

Focuses on the worsening quality or condition of something.

it decomposes

Emphasizes the breaking down of organic matter.

it degrades

Highlights a decline in quality or integrity.

it breaks down

Describes a process of something separating into smaller parts.

it diminishes

Implies a reduction in size, extent, or importance.

it fades away

Suggests a gradual disappearance or loss of visibility.

it crumbles

Describes something falling apart into small fragments.

it disintegrates

Emphasizes a complete breakdown or destruction.

it expires

Focuses on the end of a valid period or lifespan.

it wanes

Implies a decrease in power, influence, or intensity.

FAQs

How can I use "it decays" in a sentence?

The phrase "it decays" is used to describe the process of something breaking down or deteriorating over time. For example, "The fruit decays quickly in the summer heat" or "The radioactive isotope decays into a more stable element".

What are some alternatives to "it decays"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "it deteriorates", "it decomposes", or "it degrades".

Is it grammatically correct to say "it decays"?

Yes, "it decays" is grammatically correct. "It" is a singular pronoun, and "decays" is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb "decay".

How does the meaning of "it decays" differ from "it degrades"?

"It decays" generally refers to a natural process of breaking down, often in organic matter or radioactive substances. "It degrades", on the other hand, can refer to a decline in quality, value, or condition in a broader range of contexts, such as moral standards or environmental quality.