on decline

USAGE SUMMARY

"on decline" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a decrease or decrease in something, such as a trend, market, or condition. Example: The stock market has been on decline for the past month due to economic uncertainties.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Returning again and again to the sapped small towns of western Massachusetts, Mr. Crewdson is an artist incurably hooked on decline.

The New York Times

Signs of unbelievable ideas that bring on decline are all around us: Signs of unbelievable ideas that bring on decline are all around us: The lower 20 floors of the new World Trade Center is to be enclosed in glass made in China?

WikiHow

Company shares have been on decline since 2006 when it traded at around $21. Analysts believe Sequential Brands will bring energy back to the brand.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

SirIn your special report on India's Economy, you have rightly asserted that in recent times the practice of tax evasion in India is on decline.

The Economist

The growing literature on decline and self-protection included "How to Prosper During the Coming Bad Years," a 1979 best-seller, which advised collecting gold in the form of South African Krugerrands.

The New Yorker

[C6.] Oil Prices Surge on Decline in Inventories Oil prices surged 2.6percentt after a report from the Energy Department showed an unexpected decline in inventories of crude oil, sending supplies down from six-year peaks.

The New York Times

He and Lein share a longing, perhaps even a mania, to achieve an enlightened perspective on decline, if only because it lifts them temporarily out of their harsh grass-roots struggle with its effects.

The New York Times - Books

"Foreign Food Inspections on Decline as Illnesses From Imported Goods Rise" (news article, May 8) highlights how consumers suffer when government food-safety agencies can't keep up with the rising tide of imported food.

The New York Times

Science article on NRC report on decline in North American pollinators.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"For nearly four years now – since the crash of 08 and the accompanying ascent of Barack Obama – America has been in full-on decline panic".

The Guardian - Film

There is also a knock-on decline in demand for its inputs, and therefore the labour of the children making them.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on decline" to describe a general trend of decrease. For example, "The population of bees is on decline due to pesticide use."

Common error

While both "on decline" and "in decline" are correct, "on decline" usually describes a current state or trend, whereas "in decline" often refers to a more established or ongoing process. Ensure you select the preposition that best fits the intended nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on decline" functions as a prepositional phrase often used adverbially to describe the state or direction of a noun. It indicates a decreasing trend or diminishing state. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

45%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on decline" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate a decreasing or deteriorating trend. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's considered correct and usable across various contexts. Its neutral register makes it versatile for both formal and informal writing. While alternatives like "in decline" or "decreasing" exist, "on decline" provides a specific nuance of describing a current downward trajectory. When writing, it's important to choose the right preposition to accurately convey the intended meaning. Overall, "on decline" is a reliable and effective phrase for describing states of decrease.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in decline

This alternative uses "in" instead of "on", which shifts the emphasis slightly to the process rather than the state.

decreasing

This is a present participle form that emphasizes the ongoing nature of the decline.

diminishing

Similar to decreasing, but may suggest a more gradual reduction.

waning

This implies a gradual decrease in power, influence, or extent.

deteriorating

This suggests a decline in quality or condition.

on the wane

This idiom means declining in power or importance.

on a downward trend

This phrase indicates a consistent decrease over time.

experiencing a downturn

This suggests a decline in economic or business activity.

shrinking

This word indicates a reduction in size or amount.

regressing

This term implies a return to a previous, less developed state.

FAQs

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

You can use "on decline" to describe a trend or state of decreasing values. For example, "The company's profits are "on decline" this quarter."

What's the difference between "on decline" and "in decline"?

While similar, "on decline" often describes a current or recent downward trend, whereas "in decline" might refer to a longer-term or more deeply rooted state. Consider the subtle difference when choosing between the two.

What are some alternatives to saying "on decline"?

Consider using phrases like "decreasing", "in decline", or "on the wane" depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it grammatically correct to say something is "on decline"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. It is commonly used to indicate that something is currently experiencing a decrease or downturn.