it declines

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it declines" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a decrease or reduction in something, such as numbers, quality, or interest. Example: "As the years go by, it declines in value, making it less appealing to investors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

NICE Actimize says its revenues are steadily rising, though it declines to give figures.

The Economist

And Totes, although it declines to discuss sales data, describes its relationship with Rihanna as "invaluable".

The New York Times

It declines, attracts new buyers, recovers much of its lost ground, only to fall further the next time around.

Huffington Post

(It declines to be more specific).

The New York Times

It declines to give even the information available from Consob.

The Economist

It declines, I think, whenever the lens leaves Liverpool.

The Guardian - Opinion

It declines to elaborate further on this system.

The Guardian - Money

It declines to call them refugees, preferring to label them illegal economic migrants.

The Economist

It declines to say when it expects the port to open for business.

The New York Times

But if it declines, motorists may face threats from a collection agency if they don't pay.

The New York Times

If it declines still farther, as others are calling for, that would rewrite British monetary history.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it declines", ensure that the subject "it" is clearly defined and understood within the context of your sentence. Clarity is key to avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming a constant rate of decline. Specify whether the decline is rapid, gradual, or fluctuating to provide a more accurate picture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it declines" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "it" serves as the subject and "declines" as the verb. This verb phrase typically describes a process of diminishing or decreasing. Ludwig provides numerous examples that support this grammatical function.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it declines" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a reduction or decrease. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. Related phrases include "it decreases" and "it diminishes", each providing slight nuances in meaning. When using this phrase, ensure clarity of the subject "it" and avoid assumptions about the rate of decline. Given the prevalence of the phrase in reputable sources, it is a reliable choice for expressing reduction in a variety of writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it decreases

Simple synonym, focusing on the reduction in quantity or degree.

it diminishes

Implies a gradual reduction, often in importance or quality.

it falls

Suggests a sudden or significant drop.

it drops

Similar to "it falls", but can also imply a loss of strength or energy.

it reduces

Focuses on the act of making something smaller or less.

it lessens

Emphasizes the diminishing effect on something.

it wanes

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

it deteriorates

Suggests a decline in quality or condition.

it depreciates

Often used in the context of financial value decreasing over time.

it degrades

Implies a decline in moral or ethical standards, or a breakdown of something.

FAQs

What does "it declines" mean?

The phrase "it declines" generally means something is decreasing, diminishing, or reducing in quantity, quality, or intensity.

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

You can use "it declines" to describe a variety of situations where something is decreasing. For example: "As the market weakens, "it declines" in value" or "After the initial surge, "it declines" in popularity".

What are some alternatives to "it declines"?

Some alternatives to "it declines" include "it decreases", "it diminishes", "it falls", and "it reduces". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "it declines" formal or informal?

"It declines" is generally considered a neutral to formal expression. You can use it in professional, academic, or news-related contexts without sounding out of place.