start to decline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start to decline" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English.
It is often used to describe a gradual decrease or deterioration in something. Example: The popularity of the product began to decline after negative reviews surfaced online.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's at its apogee and will start to decline".

The New York Times

Starting about age 30, growth hormone levels start to decline.

The New York Times

"I start to decline very rapidly in energy around 6 p.m.

The New York Times

When your skills start to decline, your watch lets you know by exactly how much.

The New Yorker

Non-OPEC supplies, which have grown in recent years, may start to decline in 2012.

The Economist

He is considering opening more casual, inexpensive restaurants, if rents start to decline, he said.

The New York Times

Even when fish populations start to decline, officials are reluctant to impose strict limits.

The New York Times - Magazine

In wealthy countries, the use of Bactrim to prevent pneumocystis carinii pneumonia may start to decline.

The New York Times

"Once the consumer starts to pull back, that's when things start to decline".

The New York Times

Their physical sales might start to decline but Borkowski said: "It's about YouTube and digital impact for One Direction.

Independent

Production has peaked at Rosneft's older fields and will start to decline in a couple of years.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "start to decline" when describing a gradual decrease or deterioration, especially when emphasizing the initial phase of the decline. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of "start to decline" in highly formal or academic writing can make your language sound less precise. Consider using more specific terms like 'decrease', 'diminish', or 'deteriorate' for a more impactful and nuanced expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start to decline" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of a decrease or deterioration. It describes the initiation of a negative trend, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "start to decline" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to describe the beginning of a decrease or deterioration. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is acceptable in both formal and informal contexts, though more specific terms might be preferred in highly formal writing. It is frequently used in news, science and business contexts to signal the onset of a negative trend. Alternatives include "begin to decrease" and "commence to diminish", each offering a slightly different nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin to decrease

Replaces 'decline' with 'decrease', focusing on a reduction in quantity or intensity.

commence to diminish

Uses 'commence' for 'start' and 'diminish' for 'decline', suggesting a gradual reduction.

initiate a downturn

Replaces 'start' with 'initiate' and 'decline' with 'downturn', implying a negative trend.

show signs of weakening

Shifts the focus to the observable indicators of a decline rather than the decline itself.

begin to deteriorate

Substitutes 'decline' with 'deteriorate', emphasizing a worsening condition.

start to wane

Uses 'wane' to replace 'decline', indicating a decrease in power, influence, or intensity.

begin to recede

Employs 'recede' for 'decline', suggesting a movement backwards or away from a previous state.

start to fall off

Replaces 'decline' with the idiomatic 'fall off', indicating a decrease, especially in quantity or support.

initiate a slide

Similar to 'initiate a downturn' but uses 'slide' to denote a more gradual and less abrupt decline.

show initial reduction

Focuses on the initial phase of reduction without necessarily implying a continuous decline.

FAQs

How can I use "start to decline" in a sentence?

The phrase "start to decline" is used to describe the beginning of a downward trend or a decrease in something. For example, "The company's profits "start to decline" after the new regulations were implemented."

What are some alternatives to "start to decline"?

You can use phrases like "begin to decrease", "commence to diminish", or "initiate a downturn" as alternatives to "start to decline", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "started to decline" or "start to decline"?

The choice between "started to decline" and "start to decline" depends on the tense you want to convey. "Started to decline" indicates a past action, while "start to decline" refers to a present or future trend. For example, "Sales started to decline last quarter" versus "Sales "start to decline" when the product loses popularity."

What's the difference between "start to decline" and "begin to decline"?

The phrases "start to decline" and "begin to decline" are largely synonymous. However, "start" might suggest a more abrupt or noticeable initiation, while "begin" can imply a more gradual commencement of the decline. The choice often comes down to stylistic preference.