a deep decline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a deep decline" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or severe decrease in something, such as economic performance, health, or quality. Example: "The company experienced a deep decline in sales over the last quarter, prompting management to reevaluate their marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

The increase came a month after housing starts dropped sharply, largely because of a deep decline in construction of multifamily homes.

The New York Times

After today's collapse, with his team in a deep decline, Fassel has revised his thinking.

The New York Times - Sports

But with organized labor in a deep decline, few employees know about the labor laws any more.

The New York Times

Of course, the institution is in a deep decline, but when you're reporting a story like this, you don't depress yourself, because the inquiry is bracing.

The New Yorker

The Software sector, which saw a deep decline in 2009, has regained its momentum thanks to renewed interest in business applications and communications software.

The New York Times

Only 15 years ago, oil experts said gulf production was in a deep decline and oil companies were abandoning the area for Russia and the Caspian Sea.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

A deeper decline could be on the way, though.

The New York Times

Is that only temporary or a portent of a deeper decline?

The New York Times

Eventually, there will be a deeper decline in the stock market, he says, but perhaps not yet.

The New York Times

The government pushed through a sizable budget last month, but in the eyes of many investors, that is more of the same from a country that has long poured money into public projects, staving off a deeper decline but with little to show toward long-term, sustainable economic growth.

The New York Times

Footfall in retail parks dropped by 0.8%, and shopping centre footfall faltered by 3.4% year-on-year, a deeper decline than last year's fall of 0.9%.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a deep decline", ensure the context provides a clear point of reference for the decrease. For example, specify what is declining and the timeframe over which it is occurring.

Common error

Avoid using "a deep decline" when a more moderate term would be appropriate. Overusing strong language can weaken your overall argument and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a deep decline" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a significant reduction or downturn in something, as demonstrated by Ludwig AI's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a deep decline" is a noun phrase used to describe a significant decrease or downturn. It is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, including news, science, and business. Ludwig AI indicates it's a valid and usable phrase. The phrase carries a neutral register and is effective for conveying the severity of a negative trend. While useful, ensure the decline is appropriately severe before using this phrase, and consider alternatives such as "a significant decrease" or "a substantial drop" for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant decrease

Replaces "decline" with "decrease" and "deep" with "significant", softening the impact slightly.

a substantial drop

Substitutes "decline" with "drop" and "deep" with "substantial", offering a more informal alternative.

a sharp downturn

Replaces "decline" with "downturn" and "deep" with "sharp", suggesting a more sudden and potentially temporary decrease.

a marked reduction

Substitutes "decline" with "reduction" and "deep" with "marked", emphasizing the measurable aspect of the decrease.

a severe contraction

Replaces "decline" with "contraction" and "deep" with "severe", often used in economic contexts to indicate a shrinking of activity.

a considerable fall

Substitutes "decline" with "fall" and "deep" with "considerable", suggesting a more natural or gradual decrease.

a steep descent

Replaces "decline" with "descent" and "deep" with "steep", creating a more visual and dramatic image of the decrease.

a drastic decrease

Substitutes "deep" with "drastic" emphasizing a more extreme and sudden change.

a precipitous drop

Replaces "decline" with "drop" and "deep" with "precipitous", suggesting a very sudden and rapid decrease.

a major setback

This implies a reversal of progress rather than a general decline, framing the decrease as a hindrance.

FAQs

How can I use "a deep decline" in a sentence?

You can use "a deep decline" to describe a significant reduction or downturn. For example, "The company experienced a deep decline in profits this year."

What can I say instead of "a deep decline"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant decrease", "a substantial drop", or "a sharp downturn" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a deep decline"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the severity and significance of a decrease. Ensure the context warrants the use of such strong language.

What's the difference between "a deep decline" and "a slight decline"?

"A deep decline" indicates a substantial and concerning decrease, while "a slight decline" suggests a minor and potentially insignificant decrease.