a sharp decline

USAGE SUMMARY

"a sharp decline" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a large and sudden decrease in something. For example: "There was a sharp decline in the number of people attending the event this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

European markets open with a sharp decline.

The New Yorker

The sacrament has suffered a sharp decline.

The Guardian

A sharp decline in the currency would mean a sharp decline in living standards.

The New York Times

There has been a sharp decline in personal saving.

The Economist

But what figures there are point to a sharp decline.

The Economist

Even diet sodas are experiencing a sharp decline in sales.

The New York Times

Statistics from the past decade suggest a sharp decline.

The New York Times

But in many states there has been a sharp decline.

The Washington Post

d)A sharp decline in demand for maple syrup.

The New York Times

Last year, business schools reported a sharp decline in applications.

The New York Times

Mr. Enríquez-Ominami had blamed that system for a sharp decline in new voter registration.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use specific data or metrics to quantify the "sharp decline" for clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a sharp decline" to describe gradual or long-term trends. This phrase is best suited for sudden and noticeable drops.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp decline" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across various writing contexts. Examples show it quantifying decreases in areas like sales, populations, or economic indicators.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sharp decline" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a sudden and significant reduction. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and broad applicability. It's most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, signaling its utility in reporting on noteworthy decreases. To use it effectively, quantify the decline with specific data and reserve it for genuinely abrupt drops, avoiding overuse with gradual trends. Alternatives like ""a steep drop"" or ""a rapid decrease"" can provide nuanced variations, but remember "a sharp decline" is a versatile and impactful phrase when used correctly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a severe decline

Emphasizes the intensity or gravity of the decline.

a steep drop

Highlights the abruptness and vertical nature of the decrease.

a rapid decrease

Focuses on the speed at which the decline occurs.

a marked reduction

Stresses that the decrease is easily noticeable or significant.

a considerable fall

Indicates that the decrease is substantial in amount or degree.

a significant downturn

Suggests a negative trend or reversal in a particular area or industry.

a precipitous drop

Implies a sudden and dramatic fall, often unexpected.

a dramatic decrease

Highlights the sensational or striking nature of the reduction.

a noticeable reduction

Emphasizes that the reduction is easily observed or perceived.

a substantial decrease

Indicates the reduction is large in size or amount.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sharp decline" to describe a sudden and significant decrease. For example: "There was "a sharp decline" in sales after the product recall."

What are some alternatives to "a sharp decline"?

Alternatives include "a steep drop", "a rapid decrease", or "a marked reduction", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a sharp decline" is appropriate for formal writing, including business reports, academic papers, and news articles.

What causes "a sharp decline"?

The causes of "a sharp decline" vary depending on the context, but common factors include economic downturns, policy changes, and unexpected events.