on the decline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the decline" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is beginning to decrease in intensity, size, or importance. For example, "The number of endangered species is on the decline due to consumer demand for rare animal products."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For one thing, regionalism is on the decline.

The New Yorker

Penmanship is on the decline.

The Economist

Undervalued: Ichiro Suzuki is on the decline.

The New York Times

Paid apps are on the decline.

The New York Times

The birth rate is on the decline.

The New York Times - Magazine

Horse racing is on the decline.

The New York Times

Is Violence on the Decline?

University of California, Berkeley

It is on the decline".

The Guardian - Sport

Is democracy on the decline?

The Washington Post

Is arts participation on the decline?

Columbia University

Colin seems to be on the decline.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on the decline", ensure the subject of the decline is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "Sales are on the decline", specify "CD sales are on the decline".

Common error

Avoid using "on the decline" without providing context or supporting evidence. Saying "Society is on the decline" is vague and unsubstantiated. Instead, provide specific examples and data to support your claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the decline" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a state of decrease or deterioration. As Ludwig examples show, it commonly describes trends in various fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on the decline" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression indicating that something is decreasing or deteriorating. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its primary function is to modify a noun, highlighting a negative trend across various contexts such as News & Media and Academia. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is declining. While alternatives like "decreasing" or "on a downward trend" exist, "on the decline" remains a versatile and effective way to describe diminishing states. Remember to provide context and avoid overgeneralizations to strengthen your argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a downward trend

Emphasizes a continuous pattern of decrease or deterioration.

on the wane

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

dwindling

Implies a progressive reduction in number, size, or amount.

diminishing

Similar to decreasing, but emphasizes a gradual and ongoing reduction.

decreasing

A more general term indicating a reduction in quantity, size, or intensity.

fading away

Indicates a gradual disappearance or loss of visibility or audibility.

in recession

Implies a more severe and potentially longer-lasting period of economic decline.

slipping

Suggests a gradual decline in performance or quality.

in retreat

Conveys a sense of withdrawal or pullback from a previous position or level.

in subsidence

Suggests a sinking or settling, often used in the context of land or structures.

FAQs

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

You can use "on the decline" to describe something that is decreasing in quantity, quality, or importance. For example, "Trust in government has also been "on the decline"".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "on the decline"?

Some alternatives include "decreasing", "diminishing", or "on a downward trend", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "on the decline"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase follows standard grammar rules and is commonly used in various contexts.

What is the difference between "on the decline" and "in decline"?

"On the decline" suggests a process of decreasing, while "in decline" describes a state of being diminished. Both are similar, but "on the decline" emphasizes the active process of decreasing.