a marginal drop in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a marginal drop in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or slight decrease in a particular measurement or statistic. Example: "The report indicated a marginal drop in sales compared to the previous quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

We should also see a marginal drop in demand for, say, yachts.

The New Yorker

The samples, after plasma treatment, showed only a marginal drop in their mechanical properties.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Two years ago, the state enacted a deregulation plan that has brought consumers a marginal drop in utility costs, but offered power suppliers huge savings on debt run up by building inefficient nuclear and coal-fired plants in the 1970's and 80's.

The New York Times

Yet a marginal drop in the rate of reproduction and a marginal increase in the rate of mortality can put the species on a path to extinction just as surely as you pay taxes.

Huffington Post

One of these side effects is a decrease in sexual pleasure, and as Friedman predicted, this minor loss of enjoyment correlated with a marginal drop in reported feelings of sadness after sex.

Vice

One of these side effects is a decrease in sexual pleasure, and as Dr Friedman predicted, this minor loss of enjoyment correlated with a marginal drop in reported feelings of sadness after sex.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

k-means algorithm used by fine segmentation module of the proposed technique incorrectly classifies a small number of epidermis pixels as dermis pixels, which results in the marginal drop in sensitivity.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

The marginal drop in pay comes despite some eye-watering payouts for the three highest-paid CEOs – Masimo Corporation's Joe Kiani, Timothy Walbert of Horizon Pharma and Gamco Investors' Mario Gabelli – who took home nearly $300m between them, according to the AFL-CIO.

The Guardian

The marginal drop in the bond strength of the coated rebar with the concrete structure may be due to the higher 'P' content which is expected to provide improved surface smoothness.

Surface and Coatings Technology

The marginal drop in reservoir pressure against cumulative oil production of 0.85MMm3 indicates that the reservoir is operating under active water drive.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

When unanticipated, it can lead to an upward revision of expected lifetime wealth and a discontinuous drop in marginal utility of wealth and, thus, in labour supply.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a marginal drop in" when you want to downplay the significance of a reduction or decrease, suggesting that the change is small and not particularly impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "a marginal drop in" when the decrease is substantial or has significant consequences. Choose stronger language to accurately reflect the impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a marginal drop in" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a decrease or reduction, with 'marginal' qualifying the extent of that decrease as small or insignificant. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

39%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a marginal drop in" is used to describe a slight decrease or reduction. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the decrease you're describing is genuinely small and insignificant to avoid misrepresentation. While grammatically sound and authoritative, overstating its significance is a common pitfall. Alternatives include "a slight decrease in" and "a minor reduction in".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight decrease in

Emphasizes the mild nature of the reduction, focusing on the small degree of change.

a minor reduction in

Highlights the limited extent of the decrease, suggesting it's not significant.

a small decline in

Indicates a gentle downward trend, portraying a modest reduction.

a modest fall in

Suggests a moderate lessening, showing a relatively tempered decrease.

a negligible dip in

Underlines the insignificance of the drop, making it almost unnoticeable.

a fractional decrease in

Highlights the small proportion of the reduction, focusing on the minute amount.

a trivial reduction in

Stresses the unimportance of the decrease, making it seem of little consequence.

a minimal decline in

Indicates that the decline is the smallest possible.

a hairline fall in

Presents the fall as extremely thin.

a soupcon of reduction in

Portrays a trace amount of reduction.

FAQs

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

You can use "a marginal drop in" to describe a slight decrease or reduction. For example, "There was "a marginal drop in" sales this quarter".

What are some alternatives to "a marginal drop in"?

Some alternatives include "a slight decrease in", "a minor reduction in", or "a small decline in". Each emphasizes the small nature of the reduction.

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

Yes, "a marginal drop in" is suitable for formal writing when accurately describing a small and relatively insignificant decrease. The register is generally neutral and acceptable across different contexts.

What is the difference between "a marginal drop in" and "a significant drop in"?

"A marginal drop in" indicates a small, often inconsequential decrease, while "a significant drop in" implies a substantial and noteworthy decrease. The choice depends on the magnitude of the reduction you're describing.