on a decline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a decline" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe something that is gradually diminishing or getting worse over time. For example, "The sales of our product have been on a decline recently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"The economy was already on a decline," said one respondent.

Forbes

"But it's been on a decline since about 2005".

The New York Times

"The economy there is still on a decline," he said.

The New York Times

As he put it, "They're on a decline that has no recovery".

The New Yorker

"These are people who are on a decline," Dr. Miller said.

The New York Times

The unemployment rate dropped on a decline in the number of unemployed of 733,000.

The Economist

He blamed the theater's financial crisis largely on a decline in ticket sales.

The New York Times

He said his firm just bet on a decline in I.B.M. stock.

The New York Times

All must hope that they are not stuck on a decline and fall trajectory.

The Guardian - Opinion

Still, short-selling -- betting on a decline in stock prices -- is always risky.

The New York Times

The decision was based on a decline in ticket sales and the loss of its home.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on a decline", ensure that you clearly specify what is declining and the reason for the decline to provide sufficient context for your readers.

Common error

Avoid using "on a decline" without specifying the relevant timeframe or specific metrics. For instance, instead of saying "Sales are on a decline", clarify with "Sales have been on a decline for the past quarter" or "Sales are on a decline based on year-over-year comparisons."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a decline" functions as a descriptive modifier, often used to indicate that a particular metric, trend, or condition is diminishing or worsening over time. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on a decline" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe something that is decreasing or worsening. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely used across diverse contexts, notably in news and scientific reporting. When employing "on a decline", be sure to specify what is declining and provide context for clarity. While alternatives like "showing a downward trend" and "experiencing a downturn" exist, the choice depends on the particular nuance you want to communicate. Keep in mind that "on a decline" suggests an ongoing process, whereas "in decline" describes a state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

showing a downward trend

Highlights the visual aspect of the decline, often in data or graphs.

in a state of deterioration

Emphasizes the worsening condition of something over time.

slipping in performance

Refers to a decline in skill or ability.

experiencing a downturn

Focuses on the economic or business context of the decline.

on the wane

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

decreasing in value

Focuses on the monetary aspect of the decline.

in a state of decay

This phrase emphasizes the process of rotting or deteriorating.

undergoing a regression

Suggests a return to a former or less developed state.

heading downhill

An informal way of saying something is getting worse.

in a recession

Specifically refers to an economic decline.

FAQs

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

You can use "on a decline" to describe something that is gradually diminishing or getting worse over time. For example, "The company's profits have been "on a decline" due to increased competition".

What are some alternatives to "on a decline"?

Alternatives include phrases like "showing a downward trend", "experiencing a downturn", or "in a state of deterioration", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "on a decline" or "in decline"?

Both "on a decline" and "in decline" are grammatically correct. "On a decline" typically suggests a process that is currently happening, while "in decline" describes a state. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "on a decline" and "declining"?

"On a decline" is a phrase that acts as a description, while "declining" is a verb or adjective. For example, "The number of visitors is declining" versus "The number of visitors is "on a decline"".