to decline

USAGE SUMMARY

"to decline" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can mean to refuse a request or offer or to reduce in number or amount. For example, "He declined the invitation to the party".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She decided to decline.

The New York Times

where services continue to decline.

The New Yorker

Dobranski had reason to decline.

The New Yorker

Crime continues to decline, for example.

The Economist

For most, bills are likely to decline.

The New York Times

Over all, admittance rates continued to decline.

The New York Times

Naturally, seal numbers began to decline.

The New Yorker

Existing-home inventory continues to decline.

The New York Times

Glover's DVD profits began to decline.

The New Yorker

Meanwhile, Red Delicious began to decline.

The New Yorker

Pasternak was forced to decline the prize.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, choose "to decline" when you want to express a polite refusal or a reduction in something. Its formality makes it suitable for professional communication.

Common error

Avoid using "to decline" in very informal conversations; opt for phrases like "to turn down" or "to pass on" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to decline" primarily functions as an infinitive verb phrase. It often expresses an action of refusing something politely or indicating a downward trend, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to decline" is a versatile infinitive phrase used to express both polite refusal and reduction or deterioration. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, and its neutral to professional tone makes it suitable for formal communication. When choosing an alternative, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, such as direct refusal ("to refuse") or gradual reduction ("to diminish").

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to refuse

Focuses specifically on rejecting an offer or invitation.

to reject

Implies a stronger, more decisive refusal.

to turn down

An informal way of saying to refuse an offer or request.

to decrease

Emphasizes a reduction in quantity or quality.

to pass up

Indicates foregoing an opportunity.

to diminish

Suggests a gradual reduction in size, importance, or intensity.

to worsen

Highlights a deterioration in condition or quality.

to fall

Implies a downward movement or reduction.

to weaken

Focuses on the loss of strength or power.

to erode

Suggests a gradual and destructive decline.

FAQs

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

You can use "to decline" to express a polite refusal, as in "I had to decline their generous offer". It can also describe a decrease, such as "The company's profits began to decline last quarter".

What is a more informal way to say "to decline"?

Alternatives include "to turn down" or "to pass on", which are suitable for casual conversations.

Which is the correct usage, "to decline" or "declining"?

Both are correct, but they function differently. "To decline" is the infinitive form, while "declining" is a gerund or present participle. For example, "He chose to decline" versus "The declining economy".

How does "to decline" differ from "to refuse"?

While both imply not accepting something, "to decline" often suggests politeness or formality, whereas "to refuse" can be more direct or even confrontational depending on context.