steadily decline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "steadily decline" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual decrease in quantity, quality, or value over time. Example: "The company's profits have begun to steadily decline over the past few quarters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

At the same time, growth hormone levels steadily decline.

The New York Times

But in fairness, gardens cannot stand still or they will steadily decline.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"In the next decade or two, manufacturing is going to steadily decline," he said.

The New York Times

But income tax receipts will steadily decline, as those huge tax cuts for the rich phase in.

The New York Times

This has been an effective political strategy for Republicans, who have watched the president's popularity steadily decline.

The Economist

Working memory is known to steadily decline with age, even in the absence of any form of dementia.

The Guardian

Since 500 cal BP, Quercus and Riella steadily decline and fade out towards the surface of the core, whereas pollen types attributable to steppe and desert vegetation increase.

Quaternary International

Dieter said that over the course of the 18 years he has been compiling the summaries he has seen the practice peak and then steadily decline.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Membership steadily declined.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Advertising dollars had been steadily declining.

The New York Times

Since then, the relationship has steadily declined.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "steadily decline" to describe gradual decreases or deteriorations when you want to emphasize the consistent nature of the change over time. For example, "The number of students attending the school has begun to "steadily decline" in recent years".

Common error

Avoid using "steadily decline" when describing sudden or abrupt changes. The phrase implies a gradual and consistent reduction, not an immediate drop. Instead, consider words like "plummet" or "collapse".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steadily decline" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating a gradual decrease or deterioration over a period of time. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is used to describe consistent reductions in quantity, quality, or value. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "steadily decline" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a gradual and consistent decrease over time. As Ludwig AI indicates, its grammatical status is correct, and it enjoys very common usage across various contexts, especially in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. When writing, it's essential to use "steadily decline" to describe gradual changes. For alternative phrasing, consider "gradually decrease" or "consistently diminish". In essence, "steadily decline" is a reliable phrase for conveying a consistent pattern of reduction or deterioration, as demonstrated by the many examples provided by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradually decrease

Focuses on the pace of reduction rather than the consistency.

consistently diminish

Highlights the regularity of the reduction.

continuously decrease

Stresses the uninterrupted nature of the decline.

regularly diminish

Highlights the recurrent nature of the decrease.

progressively worsen

Emphasizes the deteriorating nature of the decline.

slowly deteriorate

Focuses on the gradual decay or degradation.

persistently reduce

Emphasizes the ongoing effort or influence causing the decline.

systematically erode

Suggests a structured or methodical decline.

incessantly wane

Implies a continuous fading or weakening.

unremittingly fall

Highlights the unrelenting nature of the descent.

FAQs

How can I use "steadily decline" in a sentence?

Use "steadily decline" to describe a gradual and consistent decrease over time. For instance, "The company's profits have begun to "steadily decline" due to increased competition."

What are some alternatives to saying "steadily decline"?

You can use alternatives like "gradually decrease", "consistently diminish", or "progressively worsen" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "decline steadily" instead of "steadily decline"?

While grammatically understandable, "steadily decline" is the more common and natural phrasing. "Decline steadily" can sound slightly awkward in comparison.

What's the difference between "steadily decline" and "rapidly decline"?

"Steadily decline" implies a gradual and consistent decrease over time, whereas "rapidly decline" suggests a quick and accelerated decrease. The choice depends on the actual pace of the change you are describing.