a sharp contraction

USAGE SUMMARY

'a sharp contraction' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe an abrupt decrease in size or activity. For example: "The economy experienced a sharp contraction in the last quarter of the year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

A decade ago, it took "tax hikes, a sharp contraction in military spending, and an unprecedented economic expansion to achieve fiscal consolidation," the I.M.F.

The New Yorker

The trade balance has been adjusting mainly through a sharp contraction in imports.

The Guardian - Business

He averages three a day, he said, a sharp contraction from his more indulgent past.

The New York Times

After a sharp contraction in 2009, the economy recorded the third-fastest rate of growth in the G20 last year.

The Economist

A sharp contraction of GDP means that subsequent growth will be calculated from a much smaller base.

The Economist

Austerity policies imposed by the authorities contributed to a sharp contraction of the Greek economy last year.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Economic output shrank by 0.5% in the third quarter, and announced layoffs and severe cutbacks in consumer spending suggested that the fourth quarter saw a sharper contraction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The fund now estimates that Europe will experience a mild 0.1 percent contraction — down from a September forecast of 1.4 percent growth — with a sharper contraction of 0.5 percent among the 17 countries that use the euro currency and deeper recessions in Italy and Spain.

The New York Times

Growth slowed with the collapse of the housing bubble, but it didn't collapse until two years later; beginning in September of 2008, all sectors of the economy faced a sudden, sharp contraction.What does this tell us about the contribution of the housing bust to the recession?

The Economist

With the newspaper industry going through an unexpectedly sharp contraction, Tribune is struggling under $12.8 billion in debt, and its financial condition has deteriorated, creating what specialists say is a very real risk of credit default in the next year or so.

The New York Times

Weighing in on a debate that has preoccupied Fed officials, Mr. Bernanke planted himself on the side of those who view the high unemployment rate — 9.6 percent — as an outcome of the sharp contraction in economic demand that followed the financial crisis, rather than of structural factors like a mismatch between workers' qualifications and the skills required by employers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing economic trends, use "a sharp contraction" to convey a significant and sudden decline in economic activity. This phrase is particularly effective in business and financial contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a sharp contraction" for minor or gradual decreases. This phrase implies a substantial and rapid decline, so ensure it accurately reflects the magnitude of the change you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp contraction" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a significant and sudden decrease in something, such as economic activity. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sharp contraction" is a widely used phrase that effectively describes a significant and sudden decline in various contexts, particularly in economics and business. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its frequency in reputable news sources and business publications indicates its importance in conveying impactful information. While versatile, it's crucial to reserve this phrase for situations where the decrease is indeed substantial and rapid. Alternatives like "a sharp decline" or "a steep reduction" offer subtle variations in emphasis, as discussed above.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sharp decline

Focuses on the decrease itself, suitable when the magnitude of reduction is key.

a steep reduction

Emphasizes the gradient and swiftness of the decrease.

a rapid decrease

Highlights the speed at which something diminishes.

a sudden drop

Stresses the unexpected nature of the reduction.

a significant downturn

Indicates a negative trend in a broader context, often economic.

a marked decrease

Points to a noticeable and distinct reduction.

a substantial fall

Implies a considerable amount of reduction.

a severe cutback

Highlights a drastic reduction, often in spending or resources.

a drastic curtailment

Emphasizes the severity and abruptness of the reduction.

a notable retrenchment

Suggests a strategic withdrawal or reduction in activity.

FAQs

How can I use "a sharp contraction" in a sentence?

You can use "a sharp contraction" to describe a significant and sudden decline in something. For example, "The economy experienced "a sharp contraction" in the second quarter."

What are some alternatives to "a sharp contraction"?

You can use alternatives like "a sharp decline", "a steep reduction", or "a rapid decrease" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a sharp contraction" in formal writing?

Yes, "a sharp contraction" is suitable for formal writing, especially in economic, business, or scientific contexts where precise language is important.

What is the difference between "a sharp contraction" and "a slight decrease"?

"A sharp contraction" indicates a significant and rapid decline, while "a slight decrease" suggests a minor and gradual reduction. The choice depends on the magnitude of the change you are describing.