a serious drop

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious drop" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant decrease in quantity, value, or performance in various contexts, such as finance, sales, or statistics. Example: "The company experienced a serious drop in sales during the last quarter, prompting a review of their marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

With so many lines of business, it's unlikely that Mexican cartels would close up shop in the event of legalization, even if it meant a serious drop in profits from their most successful product.

The New York Times

Reversing in the pitch black down an extremely narrow track, edged on one side with rocks, and on the other with a serious drop, is quite as much stimulation as most of us need.

Independent

Although 1 in 30 men who used Uprima in a study fainted or had a serious drop in blood pressure, the F.D.A. advisory panel voted 9 to 3 to approve it, along with strong warnings to patients and doctors.

The New York Times

Mr. Lindstrom, who is a financial adviser at UBS Wealth Management in Omaha, and Mr. Ade, a member of the investment club Tiger 21, are among investors who say they believe farmland could be headed for a serious drop in values, if not a full-on crash.

The New York Times

Desktop sales, on the other hand, took a serious drop.

TechCrunch

But a serious drop took place at the same time as the 1918 flu epidemic.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The driveway is treacherous and steep, with a serious drop-off on one side.

The New York Times

And if, like me, you find a serious drop-off in the aesthetic values of American stamps in recent decades, what inspiration is there for collecting or contemplation?

The New York Times - Arts

Already, one major survey has shown a very serious drop in business confidence as a result of the cuts talk.

The Guardian - Opinion

Girardi said his decisions are not driven by one player's performance, and that if he were to consider a more serious drop for Jeter — like putting him in the bottom third of the order — he would have a long conversation with him beforehand.

The New York Times

But if we get a more serious drop, and people are complacent about it, the way they were last summer, then we'll have to take a second look.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing quantifiable data, use "a serious drop" to convey a concerning level of reduction, backing it up with specific numbers or percentages for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a serious drop" without providing context or data to support the claim. This can weaken the impact of your statement and leave the reader questioning the severity of the decline. Add numbers or additional information to give the reader more information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious drop" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a notable decline or reduction, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a serious drop" is a noun phrase used to describe a notable and concerning decline. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and is frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you quantify the drop with supporting data. Alternatives include phrases like "a significant decline" or "a substantial decrease". While versatile, avoiding overuse and providing contextual support will enhance its effectiveness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant decline

Emphasizes a downward trend that is notable.

a substantial decrease

Highlights a considerable reduction in quantity or degree.

a marked reduction

Focuses on the visibility and clarity of the decrease.

a sharp fall

Indicates a sudden and rapid decline.

a steep decline

Suggests a rapid and significant downward slope.

a considerable downturn

Implies a negative turn in a process or market.

a notable reduction

Stresses the importance of the decrease.

a drastic decrease

Emphasizes the extreme nature of the reduction.

a significant downturn

Highlights a notable negative change in a trend or condition.

a major decline

Indicates a decline of great importance or magnitude.

FAQs

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

You can use "a serious drop" to describe a significant decrease or decline in something, such as "The company experienced a serious drop in profits this quarter".

What are some alternatives to "a serious drop"?

Some alternatives include "a significant decline", "a substantial decrease", or "a sharp fall", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a serious drop" formal or informal?

"A serious drop" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though in very formal writing, you might opt for a more precise term like "a significant reduction".

What's the difference between "a serious drop" and "a slight drop"?

"A serious drop" indicates a significant and concerning decrease, while "a slight drop" suggests a minor and less impactful decrease. The choice depends on the magnitude of the change you're describing.