steady decrease

USAGE SUMMARY

'steady decrease' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is reducing slowly and gradually over time. For example, "The population of the town has been in steady decrease since the factory shut down."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But he said monthly revenue reports showed a steady decrease in tax receipts throughout this year.

The New York Times

Kolhatkar's article mentions the steady decrease in job opportunities for people without a college degree.

The New Yorker

For the wild-type strain there is a slow but steady decrease in bacterial numbers.

Nature

In recent years, a long, steady decrease in heart disease deaths has slowed.

The Washington Post

Radiolarian species diversity data show a steady decrease in diversity throughout the late Carnian to middle Norian.

Nature

Councillor Martin Tett, the Local Government Association's transport spokesman, said the steady decrease in bus journeys was a major concern.

The Guardian

There was also a small but steady decrease in DBP, while heart rate remained unchanged throughout the observation period.

Nature

There is a steady decrease in total rainfall from southeast to northwest and a marked increase in variability.

Britannica

The mass and molecular weight of the scaffolds exhibited a steady decrease up to 6 weeks.

Biomaterials

And I think the CLEAR Act answers how you can do that by a predictable, slow but steady decrease in CO2, [and] keeping consumers whole.

Yale University

In recent years, cases of malaria and other mosquito-related diseases have experienced a steady decrease, thanks to various efforts to control mosquito populations.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use visuals, such as graphs or charts, to illustrate a "steady decrease" for clarity and impact, particularly in reports and presentations.

Common error

Avoid assuming a causal relationship simply because you observe a "steady decrease" in one variable alongside changes in another. Always investigate potential confounding factors and establish clear evidence of causation before drawing conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steady decrease" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It describes the action or state of something gradually diminishing over a period. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "steady decrease" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes a gradual and consistent reduction over time. Ludwig's analysis, based on numerous examples from reputable sources, shows its wide applicability across various fields, particularly in science and news reporting. To enhance clarity and impact, use visuals like charts to illustrate "steady decrease" and avoid mistaking correlation for causation. Considering alternatives such as "gradual decline" or "consistent reduction" can provide stylistic flexibility. Overall, "steady decrease" serves as a reliable and effective way to convey trends of consistent diminution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consistent reduction

Highlights the uniformity and regularity of the reduction.

gradual decline

Emphasizes the declining nature of something over time in a more general way.

regular drop

Focuses on the recurring nature of the decrease.

unwavering decline

Stresses the consistent and persistent nature of the decline.

stable diminution

Indicates a reduction that is both consistent and controlled.

sustained downtick

Highlights the endurance of the decreasing trend.

continuous downturn

Suggests an ongoing and potentially negative trend.

progressive lessening

Emphasizes the step-by-step nature of the reduction.

predictable erosion

Highlights the expected and gradual deterioration.

incessant waning

Implies a continuous and inevitable reduction.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "steady decrease" in a sentence?

Use "steady decrease" to describe a gradual and consistent decline over time. For example, "The company reported a "steady decrease" in sales during the second quarter".

What are some alternatives to using "steady decrease"?

You can use alternatives such as "gradual decline", "consistent reduction", or "stable diminution", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "steady decrease" or "steady decline"?

Both "steady decrease" and "steady decline" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice depends on stylistic preference, although "decrease" might be favored in more technical contexts.

When should I use "steady decrease" instead of just "decrease"?

Use "steady decrease" when you want to emphasize the gradual and consistent nature of the reduction. Simply using "decrease" implies a reduction, but doesn't necessarily highlight its pace or consistency.