to be declining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be declining" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that is experiencing a decrease or deterioration over time. Example: "The company's profits seem to be declining steadily over the past few quarters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Filmmaking appears to be declining.

The New York Times

But it appears to be declining.

The Guardian - Sport

"The industry was seen to be declining," she says.

The Guardian

Voter turnout seems to be declining everywhere, the report found.

The New York Times

But the number who remain seems to be declining.

The New York Times

"Activity seems to be declining across the economy," he said.

The New York Times

By September support for Hanson appeared to be declining.

Encyclopedia Britannica

7) The number of heavy smokers seems to be declining.

The Washington Post

Support for other jihadist groups also appears to be declining.

The Washington Post

Diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) are thought to be declining throughout their range.

Biological Conservation

Specialized species with narrow niches seem to be declining more rapidly than generalist species.

Forest Ecology and Management

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a trend, specify the timeframe over which something is "to be declining". For instance, "Sales are to be declining this quarter."

Common error

Avoid using "to be declining" when describing something that is inherently finite or has already reached its end. For example, instead of saying "His life is to be declining", consider "His health is declining" or "His life is nearing its end".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be declining" functions as a verb phrase indicating a continuous or ongoing process of decrease or deterioration. Ludwig AI showcases this through numerous examples across diverse contexts, reflecting its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be declining" is a versatile phrase used to describe a state of decrease or deterioration over time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and demonstrates its widespread usage across news, science, and business contexts. While simple in structure, it is important to note related phrases like "to be decreasing" and "to be diminishing" can offer nuance. When using "to be declining", be mindful of the context and avoid applying it to irreversible situations. This phrase is neutral in register, making it appropriate for both professional and general reporting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be diminishing

Focuses on a gradual reduction in size or importance.

to be decreasing

Highlights a reduction in quantity or degree.

to be waning

Emphasizes a decline in power, influence, or intensity.

to be receding

Suggests a movement backward or away, implying a decline.

to be dwindling

Implies a gradual and continuous reduction to a small amount.

to be deteriorating

Focuses on a decline in quality or condition.

to be fading

Emphasizes a loss of brightness, clarity, or strength.

to be collapsing

Suggests a sudden and complete failure or breakdown.

to be regressing

Indicates a return to a previous, less developed state.

to be subsiding

Implies a decrease in intensity or activity.

FAQs

How can I use "to be declining" in a sentence?

Use "to be declining" to describe something that is decreasing or deteriorating over time. For example, "The number of students enrolling in humanities programs seems "to be declining"".

What is an alternative to using the phrase "to be declining"?

Alternatives include phrases like "to be decreasing", "to be diminishing", or "to be waning". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "is declining" instead of "to be declining"?

Yes, "is declining" is often a more direct and concise way to express the same idea. "To be declining" can sometimes add a sense of ongoing or future expectation, but "is declining" is generally more versatile.

What's the difference between "to be declining" and "to decline"?

"To decline" is the infinitive form, used to express a potential or general action, while "to be declining" implies a continuous or ongoing process. For example, "Profits are expected to decline next year" versus "Profits seem "to be declining" this quarter".