a dramatic fall

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dramatic fall" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant decrease in value, status, or condition, often in a dramatic or noticeable way. Example: "The company's stock experienced a dramatic fall after the announcement of the scandal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a dramatic fall.

The Guardian - Sport

Over the summer, Billy suffered a dramatic fall onto concrete.

The New York Times - Books

There has been a dramatic fall in the real cost of the maximum campaign contribution.

The Economist

This has led to a dramatic fall in exports that has battered regional economies.

The Economist

The incontestable fact is that it would lead to a dramatic fall in covering fees.

The Guardian - Sport

The murder-free day reflected a dramatic fall in gang violence, beginning in early March.

The Guardian

The state's rise over the noughties will be followed by a dramatic fall.

The Guardian

There has been a dramatic fall in library visits and issues since the closure of half of the borough's libraries.

Independent

After the internet bubble burst in 2000-01 autonomy, a British software firm, had a dramatic fall from grace.

The Economist

It is a dramatic fall for the partners who, not long ago, seemed to embody every young designer's dream.

The New York Times

Its chief features are a dramatic fall in blood pressure that leads to pallor, cold extremities, and eventual collapse.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a dramatic fall", ensure the context clearly indicates what is experiencing the decline. Be specific about the subject experiencing the "dramatic fall" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a dramatic fall" in everyday conversation or informal writing where a simpler term like "big decrease" would suffice. Save it for situations where the severity and suddenness are truly noteworthy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dramatic fall" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a significant and noticeable decrease, often implying a negative consequence, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dramatic fall" is a commonly used phrase to describe a significant and often sudden decrease. According to Ludwig, it's considered grammatically correct and is most frequently found in news and media contexts, but also appears in scientific and formal business writing. While its meaning is straightforward, consider using alternatives like "a steep decline" or "a sharp drop" for subtle variations in emphasis. When using this phrase, be sure to specify what exactly is experiencing the decline to provide a clear context for your reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a steep decline

Emphasizes the gradient and rapid nature of the decrease.

a sharp drop

Focuses on the suddenness and magnitude of the decrease.

a significant decrease

Highlights the importance and scale of the reduction.

a marked reduction

Underscores the noticeable and clear nature of the reduction.

a substantial downturn

Implies a negative trend and significant economic decline.

a precipitous plunge

Suggests a very rapid and uncontrolled decline.

a rapid descent

Highlights the quick and downward movement.

a considerable slump

Indicates a sudden and significant decline, often in economic terms.

a notable depreciation

Specifically refers to a decrease in value.

a severe collapse

Emphasizes the destructive and complete nature of the fall.

FAQs

How can I use "a dramatic fall" in a sentence?

You can use "a dramatic fall" to describe a significant decline. For example, "The company experienced "a dramatic fall" in profits this quarter."

What are some alternatives to "a dramatic fall"?

Alternatives include "a steep decline", "a sharp drop", or "a significant decrease", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always negative when describing "a dramatic fall"?

Yes, "a dramatic fall" typically implies a negative outcome or undesirable situation, such as in sales, performance, or health metrics.

What's the difference between "a dramatic fall" and "a gradual decline"?

"A dramatic fall" suggests a sudden and significant decrease, whereas "a gradual decline" implies a slow and progressive reduction over time. The former is sudden; the latter is incremental.