a precipitous change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a precipitous change" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and steep change in a situation, condition, or environment. Example: "The company experienced a precipitous change in its market position after the new competitor entered the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

As justification, the administration made overheated claims that a precipitous change in wartime would have adverse effects on morale, good order, discipline and unit cohesion.

The New York Times

A precipitous change in the Syrian power equation might only benefit Al Qaeda.

Los Angeles Times

Make the manufacturers liable; hold them accountable where they are guilty of wrongdoing in the same way every other American industry is treated; make it cost them money, and you will see a precipitous change in gun violence.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

In this context the designations "revolutionary" and "reform" are often employed in a somewhat different sense than that described above, with the implication that a revolutionary movement advocates rapid, precipitous change while a reform movement works for slow, evolutionary change.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Many of the participants, particularly Aboriginal women, acknowledged the cultural risk to birthing outside the community and a perceived illogic to the precipitous change in historical practices.

BMC Family Practice

The ancient proverb about the straw that broke the camel's back is meant as a lesson about the nature of precipitous change.

The New York Times

Several senators invoked the chamber's traditional role as a brake on precipitous changes, to review deliberately in the face of demands for fast action.

The New York Times

He said: "My greatest fear is just that; that the Welsh government, that Welsh local government and the third sector will have to pick up the pieces, the casualties if you like, of these precipitous changes that are a complete re-moulding of the welfare state in terms of housing benefits".

BBC

That is somewhat more complicated in this case, because precipitous changes in the middle of a war could mean a loss of continuity and institutional knowledge.

The New York Times

There's no apparent thematic link to Bach – even the sense of Birtwistle's work as a set of variations is hard to discern; if the music's precipitous changes of mood and manner have any historical antecedents they would seem to be in Beethoven's late piano sonatas and final set of Bagatelles Hodgess emphasised that connection at the end of his recital by playing one of the Op 126 set as an encore).

The Guardian - Music

Since this phenomenon of precipitous changes in the age structure of smallpox mortality appears in a local study, we need to establish that it is not a product of some local peculiarity in the care of smallpox sufferers.

Economic History Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a precipitous change", ensure the context clearly indicates the speed and severity of the change. This phrase is most effective when highlighting the unexpected and often dramatic nature of the shift.

Common error

Avoid using "a precipitous change" to describe gradual or minor adjustments. This phrase denotes a sudden and substantial alteration, not a slow evolution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a precipitous change" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "precipitous" modifies the noun "change". It serves to describe a specific type of alteration characterized by its suddenness and often severity. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a precipitous change" denotes a sudden and significant alteration, often implying a steep decline or drastic shift. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and most commonly found in news and media, but also appears in scientific and encyclopedic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants the emphasis on suddenness and severity. Alternatives such as ""a sudden shift"" or ""a sharp alteration"" may be more appropriate depending on the nuance you wish to convey. It's a phrase best reserved for situations where the change is not only rapid but also carries a weight of potential negative consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sudden shift

Emphasizes the abrupt nature of the change.

a sharp alteration

Highlights the distinct and noticeable difference resulting from the change.

a drastic modification

Suggests a significant and potentially far-reaching change.

an abrupt transformation

Focuses on the sudden and complete nature of the change.

a rapid transition

Indicates a quick and immediate change from one state to another.

a swift reversal

Implies a sudden turn or change in direction.

a marked deviation

Emphasizes the noticeable departure from a previous state or condition.

a quick turnaround

Suggests a rapid and often unexpected change in circumstances.

a sea change

Implies a significant and transformative change, often on a large scale.

a quantum leap

Describes a sudden and significant advancement or change.

FAQs

How can I use "a precipitous change" in a sentence?

Use "a precipitous change" to describe a sudden and significant shift in a situation. For example, "The company experienced "a precipitous change" in its market position after the new competitor entered the industry."

What are some alternatives to "a precipitous change"?

You can use alternatives like "a sudden shift", "a sharp alteration", or "a drastic modification" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a precipitous change" or "a rapid change"?

"A precipitous change" implies not just speed but also a significant and often negative impact, while "a rapid change" simply emphasizes the speed. Choose the phrase that best fits the context. Consider also options like "a swift reversal".

What does "a precipitous change" imply?

"A precipitous change" implies a sudden and dramatic shift, often suggesting a steep decline or a significant negative consequence. The term "precipitous" emphasizes the abruptness and intensity of the change.