a marginal dip

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a marginal dip" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or slight decrease in a particular measurement or value, such as sales, performance, or statistics. Example: "The report indicated a marginal dip in customer satisfaction ratings compared to last quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Adding Durant — a player who demands attention and usage on the court — to the equation means he's likely to see at least a marginal dip in control on the offensive end.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The EMF is a marginal normal fault with easterly dips, whereas the DF comprises of a collective thrust faulted units adjoining IB.

Petroleum Science

Later came co-firing, a marginal change.

The Economist

It was a marginal call.

The Guardian - Sport

Doping is not a marginal gain.

Independent

Setanta was always a marginal, weak competitor.

The Economist

This is no longer a marginal view.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is no longer a marginal position.

The New Yorker

"Worcester is obviously a marginal seat.

The Guardian

Murray could claim a marginal victory.

The Guardian - Sport

Aulaqi is not a marginal figure.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing data or statistics, use "a marginal dip" to indicate a small and potentially insignificant decrease. This suggests the overall trend remains largely unchanged.

Common error

Avoid using "a marginal dip" to describe a substantial decrease. This phrase is best suited for minor fluctuations; using it for significant drops can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a marginal dip" functions as a noun phrase where "marginal" modifies "dip". According to Ludwig, this phrase is acceptable and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

11%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a marginal dip" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a slight decrease. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it is acceptable in English and appears across various contexts such as news, science, and general discussions. While "a marginal dip" is suitable for indicating minor fluctuations, avoid using it for substantial decreases. Ludwig provides examples that emphasize its applicability in scenarios where a small downturn is observed, ensuring clarity and precision in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight decrease

Replaces "marginal" with "slight", emphasizing the small degree of reduction.

a minor decline

Substitutes "marginal" with "minor" and "dip" with "decline", both indicating a small downturn.

a small reduction

Uses "small" instead of "marginal" and "reduction" instead of "dip", keeping the meaning of a slight decrease.

a modest downturn

Replaces "marginal" with "modest" and "dip" with "downturn", suggesting a slight negative trend.

a negligible drop

Uses "negligible" instead of "marginal" and "drop" instead of "dip", implying the decrease is so small it's almost unnoticeable.

a fractional decrease

Replaces "marginal" with "fractional", suggesting a very small part or fraction of a decrease.

a mild decrease

Substitutes "marginal" with "mild", emphasizing the gentle or not severe nature of the reduction.

a tiny decline

Uses "tiny" instead of "marginal", conveying a sense of extreme smallness in the decline.

a minimal reduction

Replaces "marginal" with "minimal", stressing the least possible amount of reduction.

a limited downturn

Substitutes "marginal" with "limited" and "dip" with "downturn", indicating the decrease or downturn is constrained in scope or degree.

FAQs

How can I use "a marginal dip" in a sentence?

Use "a marginal dip" to describe a slight decrease in something. For example: "The company experienced "a marginal dip" in sales last quarter."

What are some alternatives to saying "a marginal dip"?

You can use alternatives like "slight decrease", "minor decline", or "small reduction" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a marginal dip" in formal writing?

Yes, "a marginal dip" is suitable for formal writing when you need to describe a small decrease. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure it aligns with the desired tone.

What's the difference between "a marginal dip" and "a significant decline"?

"A marginal dip" indicates a slight or barely noticeable decrease, while "a significant decline" suggests a substantial and noteworthy reduction.