waning phase

USAGE SUMMARY

"waning phase" is correct and usable in written English.
It is most commonly used to refer to the waning phase of the moon, but can also be used to describe the decline of something else. For example, "As the industry's popularity has been in a waning phase for many years, companies have been forced to find new ways to stay profitable."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Moon light variations during the waning phase and total lunar eclipse have been monitored to demonstrate detection of finer variations.

Planetary and Space Science

Long, rope-like tubes that trail off horizontally are common in the waning phase of many tornadoes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The two weeks after that will see the moon progress through its waning phase, reaching its last quarter on 5 July.

The Guardian

In the solar system the cycle of accretionary, gravity-propelled impact morphogenesis that creates cratered surfaces and high relief is in a distinctly waning phase.

Britannica

The present setting of the CSCS is indicative of a waning phase and a decreased volume of sediment gravity flows following a main waxing phase of channel excavation.

Marine Geology

The raw material, the authors explain quite evocatively, came from trees felled in winter, "and only during the waning phase of the moon".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Possibly the biggest surprise, scientists say, is that these prehistoric chefs weren't part of an early agricultural community, and they weren't cooking grain: They were hunter-gatherers who lived in Japan during the waning phases of the last ice age, and they were apparently boiling up a seafood stew.

Science Magazine

What I want for my kids is to experience love in both its waxing and waning phases.

Huffington Post

His teams's analysis of data since the 1970s did show a slight increase over time, he said, but more waxing than waning phases were also represented in that time period.

Huffington Post

A low bedload transport component and major direct sedimentation from suspended load during waning phases of the currents led to upstream migration of the crests under subcritical flow conditions.

Bulletin of Volcanology

The Moon's regular phases make it a very convenient timepiece, and the periods of its waxing and waning form the basis of many of the oldest calendars.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "waning phase", ensure the context clearly indicates what is declining. For instance, specify "the waning phase of the moon" or "the waning phase of the economic boom" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "waning phase" when a complete end or cessation is implied. Instead, opt for phrases like "end stage" or "termination phase" to better reflect the finality of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waning phase" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It describes a period or stage characterized by decline or decrease. Ludwig examples show its usage across different domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "waning phase" effectively describes a period of decline or decrease, applicable across various contexts from lunar cycles to economic trends. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It's important to use it when referring to something that is gradually diminishing rather than completely ending. As the Ludwig examples illustrate, the phrase appears most frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts, indicating a relatively formal register. Remember to specify what exactly is in the "waning phase" to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

declining period

Emphasizes the time aspect of the decrease.

decreasing stage

Highlights the gradual reduction or diminution.

diminishing state

Focuses on the condition of becoming smaller or less.

receding time

Implies a movement away from a peak or high point.

subsiding interval

Suggests a calming down or settling after a period of intensity.

ebbing period

Uses a metaphor of the tide going out to represent decline.

tapering off

Describes a gradual reduction in quantity or intensity.

winding down

Suggests the final stages of something coming to an end.

cooling off period

Implies a reduction in heat, enthusiasm, or intensity.

dying out stage

Conveys a complete disappearance or extinction over time.

FAQs

What does "waning phase" mean?

The phrase "waning phase" refers to a period during which something is declining, decreasing, or losing strength. It's often used in reference to the moon's cycle but can apply to other phenomena as well.

How is "waning phase" used in a sentence?

You might say, "The project entered its waning phase as funding decreased," or "During the moon's waning phase, the illuminated portion decreases each night."

What can I say instead of "waning phase"?

You can use alternatives like "declining period", "decreasing stage", or "diminishing state" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "waning phase" in a formal context?

Yes, "waning phase" is suitable for formal contexts. It's frequently found in scientific, news and media, and business writing.