a sharp dip

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp dip" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden decrease or decline in something, such as prices, performance, or levels. Example: "The stock market experienced a sharp dip after the announcement of the new economic policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Additionally, they are designed to have a sharp dip in transmittance.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications

After a sharp dip for his first Sunday of rebellion, the priest's numbers have held steady.

The Economist

After a sharp dip in August, Mr. Trump was suddenly riding high again in the polls.

The New York Times

Even a sharp dip after the commercial break can be enough to sound the death knell.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The weak figures from Comet came as video games specialist Game also revealed a sharp dip in sales.

The Guardian - Business

It is then possible to obtain a reflection spectrum displaying a sharp dip that can be efficiently exploited to improve the detection of small quantities of organic materials.

Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

As a result, compared to other OECD countries, the distribution of working hours in Spain is quite wide and features a sharper dip in the middle of the day (see, e.g., Amuedo-Dorantes and de la Rica 2009).

SERIEs

Consumer confidence, as our chart shows, is at its lowest in more than half a century (except for a brief sharp dip in 1980).Only twice since the 1920s has economic angst played such an important role in a presidential election and both the previous occasions make imperfect templates (see table).

The Economist

A sharp drop in auto sales caused overall retail sales to dip 0.1 percent, the Commerce Department reported.

The New York Times

Stocks rose for two reasons, analysts said: a renewed sense of confidence in investment banks and an unusually sharp dip in the price of oil, which plunged more than $5 to end the day under $130 a barrel for the first time in six weeks.

The New York Times

It's still a buy on any sharp dips.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sharp dip" to describe situations where the decrease is both sudden and significant, not for gradual or minor reductions.

Common error

Avoid using "a sharp dip" to describe minor or insignificant decreases. This phrase is most effective when the change is substantial and noticeable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp dip" functions as a noun phrase, where 'sharp' modifies 'dip.' Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's acceptability, showcasing its role in describing sudden decreases in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sharp dip" effectively conveys a sudden and significant decrease, as validated by Ludwig AI. Its neutral register and widespread use across reputable sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Economist underscore its reliability. Remember to use this phrase when describing declines that are both sudden and substantial, avoiding its application to minor fluctuations. Alternatives include "a steep decline" and "a sudden drop", which can be used to subtly alter the emphasis while retaining the core meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a steep decline

Emphasizes the severity and angle of the decline.

a sudden drop

Highlights the abruptness of the decrease.

a precipitous fall

Suggests a rapid and dramatic descent.

a marked decrease

Focuses on the noticeable nature of the reduction.

a significant downturn

Implies a negative trend or reversal.

a rapid reduction

Stresses the speed at which something is lessening.

a considerable decline

Highlights the large extent of the decrease.

a noticeable downturn

Focuses on the notability and negative aspect of the decrease.

a sudden reduction

Emphasizes the quick nature of the lessening.

a striking decrease

Highlights the impressiveness and noteworthiness of the lessening.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sharp dip" to describe a sudden and significant decrease in something. For example: "The company's profits experienced "a sharp dip" due to the economic downturn."

What can I say instead of "a sharp dip"?

You can use alternatives like "a steep decline", "a sudden drop", or "a precipitous fall" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a sharply dip"?

No, "a sharply dip" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is ""a sharp dip"", where "sharp" is an adjective describing the noun "dip".

What's the difference between "a sharp dip" and "a gradual decline"?

"A sharp dip" implies a sudden and significant decrease, while "a gradual decline" indicates a slow and steady decrease over time.