slide into decline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slide into decline" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual deterioration or decrease in quality, status, or performance over time. Example: "The once-thriving business began to slide into decline after the economic downturn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

For years Long Beach was a summer playground and then beginning in the 1960's, it started to slide into decline.

The New York Times

Mr. Koizumi swept into office on a wave of deep discontent about both the state of politics in his country and Japan's long slide into decline.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

When Woods' game slides into decline, it doesn't hold firm in any kind of middle ground.

The Guardian - Sport

But like all the others it was watered down when the economy deteriorated and the public sector slid into decline during the late 1960s.

The Guardian - Arts

As Philadelphia began losing its industrial base in the 1920's, the waterfront slid into decline, with large industrial sites blighting the landscape, Professor Licht said.

The New York Times

TOYOTA CITY, Japan — For years, Toyota City prospered along with the giant carmaker that shares its name, growing into a global automotive manufacturing center as its official sister city, Detroit, slid into decline.

The New York Times

During the next decade, as the city slid into decline and mayhem, he defended it against its many critics, comparing them, as "they cackle with glee," to "blue-bottle flies settling on carrion, buzzing with delight".

The New Yorker

The Granata's four remaining opponents fielded youth teams of their own as a mark of respect, allowing them to finish top of the table in any case, but thereafter they slid into decline.

The Guardian - Sport

He arrived at Picture Post with the departure of Tom Hopkinson, when the magazine slid into decline with editors coming and, rapidly, going, but Hopkins's slim, neat figure and his scholarly air enhanced by thick-lensed spectacles seemed the epitome of conscientious professionalism.

The Guardian - Arts

Built more than 100 years ago as an inn, the Light House went through changes that reflected the times, going from a bathing resort in its heyday in the 1920's to 1940's to a disco in the 1980's before sliding into decline.

The New York Times

Given the intensity of his childhood love of theater, it's understandable why Rich never quite forgave Broadway for sliding into decline -- one might say for having abandoned him -- at just the moment he triumphantly arrived on the scene as critic.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slide into decline" to describe a gradual process of deterioration rather than a sudden collapse. It is particularly effective when illustrating a slow, almost imperceptible descent from a previous state of success or stability.

Common error

Avoid using "slide into decline" to describe situations involving abrupt or immediate failures. This phrase is best suited for processes that unfold over time. For sudden collapses, consider alternatives like "collapse" or "plummet".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slide into decline" functions as a verb phrase indicating a process of gradual deterioration. It typically describes how something, such as a business, a city, or a personal skill, gradually loses its quality, status, or effectiveness over time. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slide into decline" effectively describes a gradual process of deterioration, suitable for various contexts but particularly common in news and media. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While grammatically sound and frequently used, its application should be reserved for situations involving a slow, progressive worsening, rather than sudden collapses. Consider alternatives like "fall into decline" or "descend into decline" to fine-tune the message. Being mindful of its nuanced meaning ensures accurate and impactful communication when describing processes of decline.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fall into decline

Emphasizes a more sudden or abrupt descent into a state of decline.

descend into decline

Suggests a gradual and often inevitable downward progression.

deteriorate gradually

Focuses on the process of worsening over time, lacking the specific 'decline' endpoint.

decline steadily

Highlights the consistent nature of the decline, emphasizing its lack of interruption.

go downhill

An informal way to describe a decline, often used in everyday conversation.

enter a downward spiral

Implies a self-reinforcing process where each decline exacerbates the next.

begin to fail

Focuses on the inability to maintain previous standards or levels of success.

worsen over time

A general phrase that describes something getting worse, but lacks the specific connotation of 'decline'.

experience a downturn

Often used in economic contexts to describe a period of reduced activity or prosperity.

lose ground

Suggests a loss of advantage or position compared to others.

FAQs

How can I use "slide into decline" in a sentence?

You can use "slide into decline" to describe a gradual deterioration. For example, "The company began to "slide into decline" after a series of poor management decisions."

What's the difference between "slide into decline" and "fall into decline"?

"Slide into decline" suggests a more gradual and subtle process, while "fall into decline" implies a more abrupt or noticeable descent. The best choice depends on the specific context you're describing.

What are some alternatives to "slide into decline"?

Alternatives include "deteriorate gradually", "descend into decline", or "go downhill", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "slide into decline" in formal writing?

Yes, ""slide into decline"" is appropriate for formal writing. While not overly technical, it's a clear and professional way to describe a gradual deterioration. More informal options like "go downhill" might be less suitable.