trending downward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trending downward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, statistic, or trend that is decreasing or declining over time. Example: "The company's profits have been trending downward for the past three quarters, raising concerns among investors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"The good news is it's trending downward at this point".

The New York Times

And the unemployment rate had been trending downward.

The Guardian

UBS shares have been trending downward all year, as the bank's financials have deteriorated.

The New York Times

Their popularity may be trending downward, but it's far from zero.

The New York Times - Tech

Now, in many areas where second-home buyers flock, prices are trending downward.

The New York Times

Its finance unit is on the mend, with the size of its debts and troubled loans trending downward.

The New York Times

"It's trending downward, but there are still many older customers who can't handle a smartphone," Mr. VanDagens said.

The New York Times

The writer credits the Gap phenomenon--the trending downward of taste--for Graves's decision to design merchandise for Target.

The New Yorker

Retail sales, industrial production and factory orders are on the upswing, and new claims for unemployment benefits are trending downward.

The New York Times

While Italy did not have a property crash like Spain and Ireland, the market has been trending downward.

The New York Times

The discretionary spending singled out has actually been trending downward as a share of the economy for several decades.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, consider specifying the timeframe over which the trend is observed to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "trending downward" to describe a single event or data point. This phrase implies a direction over time, not a one-time occurrence. For a single decrease, use terms like "decreased" or "fell" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trending downward" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a predicate to describe the direction of a trend. It indicates that something is moving towards a lower state or value over time. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trending downward" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a decline or decrease over time. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. It is suitable for various contexts, from formal reports to news articles, and its meaning is clear and consistent. Remember to use it to describe an ongoing trend, rather than a static measurement. Top sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, further solidifying its reliability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decreasing

A direct synonym indicating a reduction in quantity or intensity.

declining

Similar to decreasing, but often used in contexts of value or importance.

falling

Suggests a rapid or significant decrease.

dropping

Similar to falling, implying a quick and noticeable decrease.

diminishing

Indicates a gradual reduction over time.

lessening

Similar to diminishing, but can also refer to a reduction in severity.

reducing

Focuses on the action of making something smaller or less.

weakening

Implies a loss of strength or effectiveness.

slipping

Suggests a gradual and often unwanted decline.

eroding

Implies a slow, destructive process of decline.

FAQs

How can I use "trending downward" in a sentence?

You can use "trending downward" to describe a decline or decrease over a period of time. For example, "The company's profits have been trending downward for the last quarter." You can also say that something is "decreasing" or "declining".

What is an alternative to saying "trending downward"?

Alternatives to "trending downward" include "decreasing", "declining", or "falling", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "trend downward" instead of "trending downward"?

While "trend downward" can be grammatically correct, it's less common and often sounds less natural than "trending downward". "Trending downward" emphasizes an ongoing process or pattern.

What does it mean when something is described as "trending downward"?

When something is "trending downward", it means that its value, popularity, or quantity is "decreasing" over time. This could apply to various metrics, such as sales, website traffic, or public opinion.