a precipitous increase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a precipitous increase" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and steep rise in something, such as prices, numbers, or rates. Example: "The report indicated a precipitous increase in the number of online users during the pandemic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The dean, Freddye L. Hill, called that "a precipitous increase".

The New York Times

"No other country has seen such a precipitous increase in reported syphilis cases in the penicillin era," wrote the co-authors, who are from American, Chinese and British medical schools.

The New York Times - Health

New York City also experienced a precipitous increase following election day 2016.

Huffington Post

Synaptic activation as a result of cortical stimulation can also first be detected in these interneurons near the end of the second postnatal week [30], the same time period in which we see a precipitous increase in PNN expression.

Plosone

For example, Williams 30 showed in a meta-analysis that there was a precipitous increase in relative risk for CVD in the lowest quartile of cardiorespiratory fitness.

Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy

The country has seen a precipitous increase in reported syphilis cases over the past two decades, particularly in Guangdong Province, the largest province in South China [ 6, 7].

BMC Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

In rats of both sexes the dose dependence of the hepatotoxic response was complex, possessing a threshold level, a region of precipitous increase, and a plateau, where larger doses were ineffective in increasing hepatotoxicity.

Environmental Health Perspectives

In 2008 the American Association of Wine Economists published The Sideways Effect: A Test for Changes in the Demand for Merlot and Pinot Noir Wines, establishing with terrifyingly complex equations the "precipitous" increase in pinot noir sales.

The Guardian - Film

WHEN Long Islanders vote Tuesday on budgets for their 126 school districts, all but a few will face proposals for moderate to precipitous increases.

The New York Times

Precipitous increases in the prices of staples like rice (up more than a hundred and fifty per cent in a few months) and maize provoked food riots, toppled governments, and threatened the lives of tens of millions.

The New Yorker

Service programmes report precipitous increases in both of these extreme household forms (Arnab & Serumaga-Zake, 2006).

AIDS Care - Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a precipitous increase" when you want to emphasize not only the magnitude of the rise but also its unexpected and rapid nature. This phrase adds a sense of urgency or alarm to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a precipitous increase" to describe a rise that was expected or gradual. The term 'precipitous' implies a sudden and often unforeseen change. For anticipated increases, use phrases like 'steady growth' or 'gradual rise'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a precipitous increase" functions as a noun phrase that describes a specific type of change. It modifies a noun (increase) with the adjective 'precipitous,' indicating that the increase is characterized by its steepness and suddenness. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable and correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

26%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a precipitous increase" is a phrase used to describe a sudden and steep rise. It is considered grammatically correct and usable according to Ludwig AI, fitting a neutral to formal register. While not extremely common, it appears in various contexts, including news, science, and business. Remember to use this phrase when emphasizing both the magnitude and the suddenness of an increase, and avoid using it for gradual or expected changes. Also, bear in mind that Ludwig gives you many real exemples to correctly contextualize the expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sharp increase

This alternative is more general and lacks the emphasis on suddenness.

a steep rise

This alternative also implies a rapid ascent but doesn't highlight the unexpected nature.

a sudden surge

This alternative emphasizes the abruptness of the increase, focusing on a wave-like pattern.

a rapid escalation

This alternative suggests a fast and often alarming increase, often used in negative contexts.

a marked upturn

This alternative is more formal and highlights a distinct positive change, without emphasizing the speed.

a dramatic leap

This alternative suggests a significant change.

an exponential growth

This is more mathematical and suggest an accelerated pattern.

a quick uptick

This alternative focuses on the fast aspect of the growth.

a notable rise

This alternative means 'worthy of attention' in growth.

a considerable augmentation

This alternative is more formal and focuses on the expansion or enlargement.

FAQs

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

Use "a precipitous increase" to describe a sudden and steep rise. For example, "The company reported "a precipitous increase" in sales after the new marketing campaign".

What are some alternatives to "a precipitous increase"?

You can use alternatives like "a sharp increase", "a steep rise", or "a sudden surge", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "precipitous" to describe a decline, or only an increase?

While "a precipitous increase" describes a rapid rise, "precipitous" can also describe a rapid decline or fall. For example, "a precipitous drop" indicates a sudden and significant decrease.

What is the difference between "a precipitous increase" and "a dramatic increase"?

Both phrases describe a significant rise, but "a precipitous increase" emphasizes the sudden and steep nature of the change, while "a dramatic increase" simply highlights the magnitude or impact of the rise.