a steady decline
A continuous and consistent decrease in amount, number, or quality over time.
writing-task-1Work and economyEnvironment
IELTS use
Describes trends in Task 1 line graphs and bar charts.
Examples
- The chart illustrates a steady decline in coal use from 2000 to 2020.
- There was a steady decline in the number of students choosing arts subjects.
Collocations
- a steady decline
- A steady decline in birth rates was observed in developed countries.
Paraphrases
- a gradual decrease: Similar, but 'steady' emphasizes consistency.
- a constant drop: More informal.
Common mistakes
- a steady declining to a steady decline. 'Decline' is a noun here; use 'steady' as adjective.
- decline steady to steady decline. Adjective must come before noun.