the erosion of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the erosion of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the gradual decline or deterioration of something, such as values, rights, or physical structures. Example: "The erosion of trust between the community and the authorities has led to increased tensions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And the erosion of repertory is appalling.

The New York Times - Arts

Sinclair describes the erosion of entitlements as "particularly concerning".

The Guardian

The erosion of Schengen comes with high costs attached.

The Guardian

First, there is the erosion of the social contract.

The New York Times

Freedom through the erosion of hierarchy and authority.

The Guardian - Opinion

Five floor pieces show the erosion of land by water.

The Guardian - Arts

This makes federal judges accomplices in the erosion of justice".

The New York Times

"It's about stopping the erosion of professionals at the university.

The New York Times

It's also the erosion of savings meant for retirement.

The Guardian - Business

Opponents say the ban signals the erosion of French liberté.

The New York Times

Water plays a large part in the erosion of rocks.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the erosion of", ensure that the subject experiencing erosion is clearly defined to maintain clarity and impact. For example, instead of just stating 'the erosion of standards', specify 'the erosion of academic standards'.

Common error

Avoid using "the erosion of" in overly abstract or vague contexts where a more specific verb or noun could provide greater clarity. Overusing this phrase can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the erosion of" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig indicates its correct usage in describing a gradual decline or deterioration. The examples confirm its role in denoting a progressive loss or weakening of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the erosion of" is a frequently used noun phrase that effectively communicates a gradual decline or deterioration. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread application across various domains. While it appears most commonly in News & Media, it also has significant usage in scientific and formal business contexts. When writing, consider alternatives like "the decline of" or "the weakening of" for stylistic variation. Overall, "the erosion of" is a powerful phrase for highlighting negative trends and changes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the decline of

Focuses more broadly on a downturn or decrease.

the deterioration of

Emphasizes a process of worsening or decay.

the weakening of

Highlights a loss of strength or power.

the depletion of

Specifically refers to the reduction of a resource or supply.

the undermining of

Suggests a gradual weakening of support or foundation.

the attrition of

Implies a gradual reduction in number or size.

the breakdown of

Emphasizes a failure or collapse of a system or structure.

the corrosion of

Suggests a gradual wearing away, often used in a figurative sense.

the disintegration of

Highlights a process of falling apart or breaking into pieces.

the loss of

Focuses on the final state of no longer having something.

FAQs

How can I use "the erosion of" in a sentence?

You can use "the erosion of" to describe the gradual decline or weakening of something. For example, "the erosion of trust" or "the erosion of civil liberties".

What's a good alternative to "the erosion of"?

Alternatives include "the decline of", "the deterioration of", or "the weakening of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "the erosion of" or "a decline in"?

"The erosion of" implies a gradual wearing away, while "a decline in" is a more general term for a decrease. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the gradual nature of the process.

What causes "the erosion of" something?

The cause of "the erosion of" something depends on the context. It could be due to neglect, external pressures, policy changes, or a combination of factors. For example, "the erosion of democracy" might be caused by political corruption or voter suppression.