Word
a decline in student numbers
Definition
compound. a situation where fewer students are attending a school or university than before.
compound. a noun phrase describing a reduction in the quantity of enrolled learners within an educational institution or system.
Examples
“The college is worried about a decline in student numbers.”
“Due to the falling birth rate, local primary schools are seeing a decline in student numbers this year.”
“The university administration implemented several new marketing strategies to counteract a sharp decline in student numbers following the recent increase in tuition fees.”
Examples
simple
“The college is worried about a decline in student numbers.”
contextual
“Due to the falling birth rate, local primary schools are seeing a decline in student numbers this year.”
complex
“The university administration implemented several new marketing strategies to counteract a sharp decline in student numbers following the recent increase in tuition fees.”
Usage
the preposition 'in' is essential to connect the decline to the specific group being measured.
Teaching tip
use this to teach the collocation 'decline in' + [noun]; it is a common feature of academic and formal reporting regarding statistics.
Pitfall
a decline of student numbers
a decline in student numbers
use 'in' to show the area or category that is decreasing; 'of' is usually used for the specific amount of the drop.