started to decline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started to decline" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a gradual decrease in intensity, quality, or quantity of something. For example: After the layoffs, sales figures started to decline.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then, his parents' health started to decline.

The New York Times

The Paradesis started to decline in the 19th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Europewide, consumer spending started to decline only last year.

The New York Times

Success came in the 1950s and polio started to decline.

Independent

The population, currently about 127m, has already started to decline.

The Economist

The dollar started to decline gradually from 2002 but the current-account deficit only got bigger.

The Economist

But income from trading started to decline again this year as investors became more cautious.

The New York Times

By July the travelers were back in Nürnberg, but Dürer's health had started to decline.

Encyclopedia Britannica

House prices have started to decline, according to the Nationwide building society.

The Economist

Cereal prices, after a few good harvests, have already started to decline.

The Economist

It is true that progressive religious bodies started to decline in the 1960s.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "started to decline" to indicate the beginning of a downward trend, but be specific about what is declining (e.g., sales, quality, health). This provides clarity and context for your reader.

Common error

Avoid phrases like "somewhat started to decline" or "slightly started to decline". The phrase itself implies a gradual beginning; adding vague qualifiers can make the sentence redundant and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started to decline" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of a downward trend or decrease. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It highlights the initiation of a process rather than its continuation or completion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

37%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "started to decline" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the initiation of a decrease or downturn. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's commonly found across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While synonyms like "began to decrease" or "started to fall" offer similar meanings, "started to decline" specifically emphasizes the beginning of the process. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is declining and avoid redundant qualifiers. Being mindful of these points will ensure effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began to decrease

Emphasizes the initiation of a reduction in quantity or degree.

started to fall

Simple and direct way to indicate a drop in value or level.

commenced to diminish

Formal alternative highlighting the beginning of a lessening.

began to deteriorate

Indicates a decline in quality or condition.

initiated a downturn

Focuses on the start of a negative trend or economic decline.

began to wane

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

commenced to slump

Focuses on a sudden and significant decline, often in economic contexts.

started to recede

Implies a retreat or withdrawal, often used for abstract concepts like influence or power.

initiated a descent

Suggests a downward trajectory or decline, often in a metaphorical sense.

began to abate

Indicates a reduction in intensity or strength, often used for things like pain or storms.

FAQs

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

You can use "started to decline" to describe the beginning of a decrease or downturn in something. For example, "After the new regulations were implemented, profits "started to decline"."

What are some alternatives to "started to decline"?

Some alternatives to "started to decline" include "began to decrease", "started to fall", and "began to wane", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"Began to decline" and "started to decline" are largely interchangeable. "Began" might sound slightly more formal, but both are grammatically correct and widely accepted. The choice often comes down to personal preference.

What's the difference between "started to decline" and "continued to decline"?

"Started to decline" indicates the initiation of a decrease, whereas "continued to decline" suggests that a decline was already in progress. So, "started" marks the beginning, and "continued" marks the ongoing nature of the decline.