the decline in

USAGE SUMMARY

"the decline in" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a decrease or decrease in something. For example: "The decline in global temperatures has been causing concern among scientists in recent years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Discusses reasons for the decline in demand.

The New Yorker

So why the decline in hand washing?

The New York Times

The decline in their numbers grew steeper.

The New York Times

What is behind the decline in New York State?

The New York Times

Why the decline in scores?

The New York Times

The decline in standard was almost immediate.

The Guardian - Sport

The decline in physics is particularly marked.

The Guardian - Opinion

The decline in February was 31.2percentt.

The New York Times

The decline in orders was broad based.

The New York Times

Hence the decline in digital TV listening.

The Guardian

4. The decline in part-time working.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a decrease, specify the subject following "the decline in" to provide context (e.g., "the decline in sales", "the decline in quality").

Common error

Avoid using "decline from" when "the decline in" is intended; "decline from" suggests a departure or deviation, whereas "the decline in" indicates a reduction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the decline in" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces the concept of a reduction or decrease in something specific. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the decline in" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase that functions as a noun phrase to indicate a reduction or decrease. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, but also appears in scientific and formal writing. To ensure clarity, specify the subject following the phrase. Common errors include confusion with similar phrases like "decline from". Alternative phrases include "the decrease in" and "the reduction in". Overall, "the decline in" is a reliable and effective way to express a downward trend or decrease in a variety of contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the decrease in

Replaces "decline" with "decrease", a direct synonym, keeping the structure identical.

the reduction in

Substitutes "decline" with "reduction", focusing on the act of diminishing.

the drop in

Replaces "decline" with "drop", indicating a sudden decrease.

the fall in

Uses "fall" instead of "decline", suggesting a downward movement or decrease.

the downturn in

Replaces "decline" with "downturn", indicating a negative trend or period.

the slide in

Substitutes "decline" with "slide", emphasizing a gradual worsening.

the weakening of

Shifts the focus to the process of becoming weaker, rather than a state of decline.

the erosion of

Emphasizes a gradual and destructive decline, like something being worn away.

the diminishing of

Focuses on the process of something becoming smaller or less.

a reduction of

Switches from the noun "decline" to a noun phrase using "reduction", slightly altering the sentence structure.

FAQs

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

Use "the decline in" to describe a decrease or reduction in something. For example, "The decline in voter turnout is a cause for concern."

What phrases are similar to "the decline in"?

You can use alternatives such as "the decrease in", "the reduction in", or "the drop in" to express a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "decline of" instead of "the decline in"?

While "decline of" is also correct, it often refers to a broader, more general deterioration, such as "the decline of an empire". "The decline in" is typically used for specific measurable decreases.

What's the difference between "the decline in" and "a decline in"?

"The decline in" typically refers to a specific, known decrease, while "a decline in" refers to a general instance of decline. For example, "the decline in profits this quarter" vs. "a decline in consumer confidence".