decline / decrease / fall twofold

[terranovamd]

Which of the sentences sounds best?
The number of farmers in the U.S. has declined twofold since the early 1980s.
The number of farmers in the U.S. has decreased twofold since the early 1980s.
The number of farmers in the U.S. has fallen twofold since the early 1980s.
Thank you in advance for your help.

 

[Copyright]

I'm not sure what a twofold decline is ... and I would guess that some of your readers would also have to think about it, and might come to an erroneous conclusion.

Would you consider:
"The number of farmers in the U.S. has fallen to half that of the early 1980s."

I just realized what I find odd, as well – it's that I usually see "twofold" as an adjective, as I've used it in my first sentence.

 

[suzi br]

Twofold means double, or twice as much which is an increase. It really makes little sense to use it to describe a decline. You need to say the number has halved. Or some variation on half.

 

[cubaMania]

Like Copyright, I don't know what a "twofold" fall or decline would mean.
You could also say "The number of farmers in the U.S. has fallen by half since the early 1980s." (if that is what you mean by "twofold".)

 

[terranovamd]

It is just the phrase "has fallen by half" sounds too simple. I would like to use some more advanced vocabulary in the sentence.

 

[suzi br]

It is just the phrase "has fallen by half" sounds too simple. I wold like to use some more advanced vocabulary in the sentence.

Ah, a rookie error. Often simple is best. Clarity is a priceless goal in most writing!

Of course the context it the crucial factor, and we do not know your audience or purpose but we do know it will not appear "advanced" to use the wrong word!

Maybe you can play with the verb if you want to dramatise your expression. e.g. "tumbled" is good for a quick fall.

 

[terranovamd]

Ah, a rookie error. Often simple is best. Clarity is a priceless goal in most writing!

Of course the context it the crucial factor, and we do not know your audience or purpose but we do know it will not appear "advanced" to use the wrong word!

Maybe you can play with the verb if you want to dramatise your expression. e.g. "tumbled" is good for a quick fall.

Thank you!