a sharp dive

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Its fairy tale rise took a sharp dive almost immediately, resulting in lawsuits and angry recriminations.

The New York Times - Tech

But Tyson began 2000 with a sharp dive from $17 per share down to $9.

Forbes

His company is riding high even in the continuing tech-stock carnage, trading at a lofty 43 times earnings despite taking a sharp dive in the past year.

Forbes

For instance, the national buffoon index will take a sharp dive.

Huffington Post

As the Wall Street Journal points out, when Microsoft's cloud unit missed analyst estimates in April, the stock took a sharp dive, before rebounding in the summer.

Vice

Moments after Apple's Face ID demo face-planted in front of millions of viewers during its annual product unveiling, the company's stock took a sharp dive.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Following the initial legal disputes, Qualcomm's stock took a very sharp dive.

TechCrunch

Unless you're going out of your way to use something like Facebook Lite, the experience on slow connections takes a pretty sharp dive.

TechCrunch

Some think Peach has already used up its 15 minutes of tech fame, and according to App Annie, downloads took a sharp nose dive last week.

TechCrunch

The falling price of crude has led the North Sea' biggest players including Shell, Chevron and BP to cut jobs and the latter is expected to reveal the impact of the sharp dive in price to $51 a barrel in its annual results tomorrow.

Independent

Its tolerable performance in the 2000s coincided with a return to ever-so-slight growth in NGDP, but nominal spending has since taken another sharp dive.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sharp dive" to describe sudden and significant decreases in quantifiable metrics like stock prices, poll numbers, or sales figures. Be specific about what is experiencing the dive.

Common error

Avoid using "a sharp dive" to describe abstract concepts that are not easily quantifiable. For instance, instead of saying "a sharp dive in happiness", consider alternatives like "a significant decrease in morale" or "a noticeable decline in well-being".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp dive" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in describing a sudden and significant decline or decrease. Examples from Ludwig showcase its application in financial contexts, such as stock prices and poll numbers.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Wiki

13%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a sharp dive" is a grammatically correct and common way to describe a sudden and significant decrease, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's most frequently used in News & Media to depict declines in quantifiable metrics like stock prices or poll numbers. While versatile, it's best to avoid using it with abstract concepts. Consider alternatives like "a steep decline" or "a sudden drop" to fine-tune your message. To enhance clarity, always specify the object experiencing the dive. With a strong expert rating and a presence in authoritative sources, understanding how to wield "a sharp dive" can empower your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a steep decline

Emphasizes the angle and rapidity of the fall.

a sudden drop

Highlights the abruptness of the decrease.

a rapid fall

Focuses on the quickness of the downward movement.

a precipitous drop

Suggests a very steep and sudden decline.

a dramatic downturn

Emphasizes the significant and impactful nature of the decline.

a marked decrease

Highlights the noticeable reduction.

a substantial dip

Suggests a significant but potentially temporary decrease.

a notable plunge

Emphasizes the sudden and forceful nature of the fall.

a considerable reduction

Highlights the extent of the decrease.

a significant decline

Focuses on the importance and impact of the decrease.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sharp dive" to describe a sudden and significant decrease in something measurable. For example, "The company's profits experienced "a sharp dive" after the new regulations were implemented.".

What are some alternatives to "a sharp dive"?

Alternatives include "a steep decline", "a sudden drop", or "a rapid fall". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a sharp dive" is generally appropriate for formal writing, particularly in business and financial contexts. However, consider the specific audience and choose the most precise language. Alternatives like "a significant decrease" may be more suitable in certain academic or scientific contexts.

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

"A sharp dive" implies a sudden and rapid decrease, whereas "a gradual decline" suggests a slower, more progressive reduction over time. The key difference is the speed and suddenness of the change.