progressively less common

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "progressively less common" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is becoming increasingly rare or infrequent over time. Example: "As technology advances, certain traditional skills are becoming progressively less common in the workforce."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Several studies have suggested that this represents a birth-cohort effect, with infection becoming progressively less common in recent generations (Banatvala et al, 1993; Kosunen et al, 1997; Roosendaal et al, 1997).

British Journal of Cancer

It is remarkable that for TvSIDER1 94 Rz and L1/NAR the(78)Rz, the uncleaved product became progressively less common in the presence of 10 mM MgCl2 but with no accompanying accumulation of any cleavage products (Additional file 1: Figure S4).

BMC Genomics

In North America, Old World Phragmites is most common in the northeastern states and progressively less common westward across the continent; native Phragmites is rare in the northeastern states, somewhat more common in the Middle Atlantic states, and most common in the western states (Saltonstall 2002).

AoB PLANTS

Baseline HT use was most prevalent among Whites and progressively less common among Asians/Pacific Islanders, Hispanics, and African-Americans, who were significantly less likely than other racial/ethnic groups to take and continue to use exogenous hormones [ 30, 31, 34- 39].

Breast Cancer Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Hence, we have an open ended plan for recruitment, as the study will progressively achieve power for the less common adverse outcomes with greater cohort size.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

That is, the effects not only become less common with progressively lower doses, they also become less severe, or even adaptive, until a level of interaction of a substance with a biological system is reached that has no ability to perturb the tissues in question from their normal function.

Critical Reviews in Toxicology

As leaf development progresses, chloroplasts become progressively larger and dumb-bell-shaped plastids become less common, suggesting that division occurs early in chloroplast biogenesis (Pyke, 1999; Okazaki et al, 2009).

EMBO Journal

(Female, non-smoker, 17 years) Participants perceived that a negative image of smoking had progressively developed as a consequence of the behaviour being less common in the community than it once was.

BMC Public Health

Other genera became progressively more abundant in the effluent (e.g. Meganema in R1, Leptothrix in R2), although this was a less common phenomenon.

AMB Express

But they are progressively less obedient.

The Economist

Every affair brings him progressively less satisfaction.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "progressively less common", ensure that the context clearly establishes the timeframe or conditions under which the decrease is occurring. This provides a clearer understanding of the trend being described.

Common error

Avoid using "progressively less common" when the decline is sudden or abrupt. This phrase implies a gradual change over time, so ensure it accurately reflects the situation you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "progressively less common" functions as an adverbial modifier describing the manner in which something is becoming less frequent. It modifies a verb or verb phrase to indicate a gradual reduction in occurrence. Ludwig AI validates this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "progressively less common" accurately describes a gradual decline in the frequency or prevalence of something over time. Grammatically correct and versatile, as Ludwig AI confirms, it fits seamlessly into scientific, news, and encyclopedic writing. While alternatives like "increasingly rare" or "steadily declining" exist, "progressively less common" distinctly emphasizes the ongoing nature of the reduction. Remember to provide context to ensure clarity and avoid using it for sudden or abrupt changes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decreasingly prevalent

Highlights the diminishing prevalence or widespread occurrence.

increasingly rare

Focuses on the increasing scarcity rather than the progressive change.

gradually diminishing

Emphasizes the gradual reduction in size, importance, or prevalence.

steadily declining

Highlights the consistent and continuous decrease over time.

becoming scarcer

Directly indicates a reduction in availability or frequency.

waning in popularity

Specifically refers to a decrease in popularity or favor.

fading away

Suggests a gradual disappearance or loss of prominence.

slowly disappearing

Emphasizes the gradual nature of the disappearance.

on the decline

Indicates a general downward trend or reduction.

experiencing a reduction

A more formal way of describing a decrease in something.

FAQs

How can I use "progressively less common" in a sentence?

You can use "progressively less common" to describe something that is becoming increasingly rare over time. For example, "As technology advances, certain traditional skills are becoming progressively less common in the workforce."

What are some alternatives to saying "progressively less common"?

Alternatives include "increasingly rare", "gradually diminishing", or "steadily declining", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "progressively less common"?

Yes, "progressively less common" is a grammatically correct and widely accepted phrase to describe a gradual decrease in frequency or prevalence.

What's the difference between "progressively less common" and "less common"?

"Less common" simply indicates that something is not as frequent as something else. "Progressively less common" implies that something is becoming less frequent over a period of time.