steady decline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "steady decline" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a gradual decrease or downward trend in something, such as numbers, performance, or health. Example: "The company has experienced a steady decline in sales over the past year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Then came a long, steady decline.

The New York Times

That's the 15th month of steady decline.

The New York Times

It left Scotland Road in steady decline.

The Guardian - Sport

Dave Caldwell charts its slow, steady decline.

The Guardian

It has been a steady decline since.

The Washington Post

Also, television news viewership has been on a steady decline.

Columbia University

"The state pension was in steady decline for years.

The Guardian - Money

America's standing in the world remains in steady decline.

The New York Times - Magazine

Commercially, it's been a steady decline ever since (chuckles).

The Guardian

This led to a steady decline in personal saving.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Then began a steady decline.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "steady decline" to describe gradual processes rather than sudden or abrupt changes. This ensures that your description accurately reflects the nature of the trend you are describing.

Common error

Avoid implying a direct cause without sufficient evidence when describing a "steady decline". Describe the trend accurately but refrain from jumping to conclusions about the underlying reasons unless supported by data.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steady decline" functions as a noun phrase typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It describes a gradual and continuous decrease in something, whether it's revenue, performance, or quality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

28%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

6%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "steady decline" is a noun phrase that accurately depicts a gradual and continuous decrease. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, from news reports to academic papers. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding what is declining and over what period this decline is observed. While the phrase itself is neutral, be cautious about attributing causality without sufficient evidence. Consider related phrases like "gradual decrease" or "persistent downturn" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradual decrease

Replaces "decline" with "decrease", focusing on the gradual reduction.

continuous reduction

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the decrease.

continuous drop

Substitutes "steady decline" with "continuous drop", emphasizing the uninterrupted nature of the reduction.

progressive loss

Focuses on the element of losing something over time.

persistent downturn

Replaces "steady decline" with "persistent downturn", suggesting a negative trend that is difficult to reverse.

uninterrupted slide

Highlights a continuous downward movement or deterioration.

gradual erosion

Employs "erosion" instead of "decline", indicating a wearing away or gradual loss.

consistent weakening

Focuses on the progressive loss of strength or effectiveness.

systematic fall

Suggests that the decrease follows a structured pattern.

incessant waning

Uses "waning" to describe a steady decrease in strength or intensity.

FAQs

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

You can use "steady decline" to describe a gradual decrease in something, for example: "The company experienced a "steady decline" in profits over the last quarter."

What are some alternatives to "steady decline"?

Alternatives to "steady decline" include "gradual decrease", "continuous drop", or "persistent downturn", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a steady decline" or simply "steady decline"?

Both are correct. Using "a steady decline" is grammatically correct when referring to a specific instance. "Steady decline" can be used more generally to describe the overall trend.

What's the difference between "steady decline" and "rapid decline"?

"Steady decline" implies a gradual decrease, while "rapid decline" suggests a quick and accelerated drop. The choice depends on the speed of the decrease you want to describe.